Haiti Trains Health Workers as Diphtheria Cases Resurge

Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), has launched a series of training sessions to strengthen healthcare professionals' capacity amid a resurgence of diphtheria cases, according to icihaiti.com. The training targets four departments: the West, Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast. A total of 44 doctors and nurses from 17 healthcare facilities are the focus of the initiative, which is coordinated by the Directorate of Epidemiology, Laboratories, and Research (DELR) in collaboration with the Directorate for the Organization of Health Services. According to the report, the training covers early detection of cases, application of national clinical management protocols, administration of treatments, and prevention of transmission. It also aims to improve surveillance and reporting of other vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough). During the first 38 weeks of 2026, 169 confirmed cases of diphtheria and 27 related deaths were recorded in Haiti, icihaiti.com reported. Given challenges in accessing healthcare, officials say strengthening hospitals and clinics is essential to ensure prompt patient care and reduce the risk of serious complications. The initiative receives technical and logistical support from PAHO, funded by the European Union through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (ECHO).