Haiti recorded 169 confirmed cases of diphtheria and 27 deaths from the disease in the first 38 weeks of 2026, iciHaïti reported on October 24, as the Health Ministry (MSPP) responds to a rise in cases.

With technical support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the ministry has begun training doctors and nurses in four departments: the West, the Northwest, the Northeast and the Southeast. In all, 44 health workers from 17 facilities are targeted.

The training covers early detection, national treatment protocols, giving treatment and preventing transmission. It also aims to improve surveillance and reporting of other vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and whooping cough.

Faster care in hospitals is essential where access to health services is difficult, the outlet noted. The program is funded by the European Union through its civil protection and humanitarian aid service (ECHO).