Study of Diphteria: Tracking Diphteria in North Sumatera

Corynebacterium diphtheriae has become a cause for concern because of its swift transmission and potentially deadly consequences, particularly in children who have not been fully vaccinated.

Cases of diphtheria have recently resurged in several districts of North Sumatra. We are collaborating with Dinas Kesehatan Provinsi Sumatera Utara to strengthen case-tracking efforts and adopt a research-based approach using a spatio-temporal prediction model to understand and map the disease’s spread.

Ongoing development of this model is anticipated to improve the effectiveness of diphtheria control in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatra, reduce fatalities, and strengthen the overall health response system.