Diphtheria

Diphtheria is one of the diseases covered by the Expanded Program on Immunization, with vaccinations given in routine immunization service in the Western Pacific Region. The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacteria produces a toxin that can harm or destroy human body tissues and organs. One type of diphtheria affects the throat and sometimes the tonsils. Another type, more common in the tropics, causes ulcers on the skin. Diphtheria affects people of all ages, but most often it strikes unimmunized children. In temperate climates, diphtheria tends to occur during the colder months. In 2007, 4190 cases of diphtheria were reported worldwide.

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Fact sheets

Diphtheria (WHO Headquarters)

News and press releases

No news/press releases available at this time.

Relevant publications and documents

Diphtheria Vaccine - WHO Position Paper

National Immunization Data - EPI Summaries by Country
These fact sheets provide a comprehensive overview of immunization-related statistics for each country in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Among the key indicators are: immunization coverage, surveillance data for vaccine preventable diseases, immunization schedules, as well as indicators for measles elimination and hepatitis B control.

Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Diseases in the Western Pacific Region (18th Meeting - 30 June-2 July 2009) - Meeting Report
The 18th meeting of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) was held from 30 June to 2 July 2009 in Manila, Philippines. A meeting of the Regional Interagency Coordinating Committee was convened concurrently with the TAG Meeting, as in previous years.