Title: The diphtheria epidemic in Guinea: a worrying health situation
Introduction :
The diphtheria epidemic currently raging in the Upper Guinea region of Guinea is a worrying health situation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 62 people have lost their lives since the outbreak began in July this year. The disease, which spreads rapidly and mainly affects young children, attacks the respiratory tract and leads to death by asphyxiation. Guinean health authorities alerted the WHO last September, and treatment measures were put in place in collaboration with the National Health Security Authority of Guinea and the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in order to limit the spread of the disease.
Insufficient vaccination coverage:
According to the WHO, the spread of the diphtheria epidemic is largely due to insufficient vaccination coverage. Since 2014, less than half of Guinea’s territory has been covered by vaccination, due in particular to vaccine stock shortages, problems maintaining the cold chain and a shortage of health personnel. This situation favored the spread of the disease, particularly with the resumption of school classes and population movements between regions.
Consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic:
The diphtheria epidemic in Guinea also highlights the consequences of prioritizing the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, many countries in the sub-region have focused their resources and efforts on the management of Covid-19, to the detriment of other infectious diseases. This led to a decrease in surveillance and prevention of diseases such as diphtheria, allowing the epidemic to spread further.
Reinforced support measures:
Faced with the worrying situation of the diphtheria epidemic in Guinea, treatment measures have been strengthened. In collaboration with the WHO and MSF, the Guinean health authorities have implemented a treatment protocol in order to reduce mortality linked to the disease. This protocol includes vaccination of populations at risk, antibiotic treatment of confirmed cases, as well as awareness and education campaigns on the importance of vaccination.
Conclusion :
The diphtheria epidemic in Guinea is a worrying health situation which highlights the gaps in vaccination coverage and the prioritization of the fight against Covid-19. It is essential that Guinean health authorities, in collaboration with international partners, take additional measures to stem the spread of the disease and increase vaccination coverage in the country.. Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, so it is crucial to put in place effective strategies to protect the population, especially children, and prevent future outbreaks.