Trends in Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Diphtheria in Yemen's Hajjah Governorate: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study (2018–2024) - Summary - MDSpire
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Trends in Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Diphtheria in Yemen's Hajjah Governorate: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study (2018–2024)
To evaluate the epidemiological status of diphtheria outbreaks and clinical manifestations in Hajjah Governorate over a seven-year period from 2018 to 2024, addressing a critical knowledge gap.
Key Findings:
Significant increase in diphtheria cases in Yemen, with a 57% rise from 2022 to 2023, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Hajjah Governorate recorded 48 probable diphtheria cases, ranking fourth among northern governorates, indicating a regional health crisis.
Vaccination coverage in Yemen dropped to 42% in 2024, contributing to increased diphtheria incidence and underscoring the need for improved vaccination efforts.
Interpretation:
The study highlights a concerning rise in diphtheria cases in Hajjah Governorate, exacerbated by declining vaccination rates and ongoing conflicts that severely impact healthcare access.
Limitations:
Reliance on secondary data may limit the comprehensiveness of the findings, potentially affecting the reliability of the conclusions drawn.
Potential inaccuracies in clinical diagnoses due to varying healthcare facility capabilities may skew the reported incidence of diphtheria.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the urgent need for improved vaccination efforts and public health strategies to combat diphtheria in resource-limited settings like Hajjah Governorate, where the health crisis is escalating.
by Wadhah Hassan Edrees, Abdulbasit Ahmed Al-Ghoury, Abdulrahman Abdullah Humaid, Qais Yusuf Abdullah, Ali Ahmed Al-Hadheq, Wadee Abdullah Al-Shehari, Ali Ahmed Al-Halani, Mohammed Alsebaeai
