As of early December, health authorities in Mali had reported over 530 cases and 30 deaths. However, the United Nations warns the actual toll is likely far higher due to severe underreporting.

The hardest-hit regions include Mopti and Ségou in central Mali, as well as Tombouctou in the northwest. These areas already suffer from high insecurity, movement restrictions, and collapsing public services. The surge in diphtheria cases is exacerbated by vaccine shortages, limited medical care, population displacement, and persistent instability.

Emergency funding deployed

In response to the escalating crisis, Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, released $1 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to fund immediate health interventions. The funds will support the World Health Organization (WHO) in deploying emergency medical teams, distributing antibiotics and antitoxins, strengthening infection prevention, improving patient care, contact tracing, and community awareness campaigns.