Diphtheria outbreak requires urgent, culturally safe public health response
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is calling for urgent, coordinated culturally safe response to the growing diphtheria outbreak, with particular focus on communities in Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
The current outbreak requires immediate attention from governments. Diphtheria is vaccine-preventable, but it can be severe, particularly where there are delays in diagnosis, treatment, vaccination access or follow-up care.
Recent national surveillance confirms a marked increase in diphtheria notifications since February 2026. The Australian Centre for Disease Control reported 194 cases in 2026 as at 11 May, including 58 respiratory cases and 134 cutaneous cases. Most reported cases were in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with 93.8% of cases reported among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
AIDA Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Malouf said the outbreak must be treated as both clinical and equity issue.
“Diphtheria is not simply a disease-control issue. This outbreak is occurring in the context of known gaps in access to primary care, immunisation follow-up, housing, wound care, health infrastructure and culturally safe services in remote and regional communities,” Dr Malouf said.
“Public messaging must avoid blame. The correct response is to strengthen access, trust and continuity of care. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be partners in the response, not merely recipients of centrally designed interventions.”
AIDA supports urgent action to ensure affected communities have reliable access to vaccines and boosters, culturally safe outreach, clinical advice for respiratory and skin presentations, wound care, antibiotics where clinically indicated, and clear pathways for escalation and hospital care.
AIDA also urges all clinicians to remain alert to possible diphtheria, including both respiratory symptoms and infected skin wounds or ulcers, particularly in areas with known cases or among people who have travelled from affected regions.
“Vaccination remains one of the most important protections against severe disease. People should check their own and their children’s immunisation status and seek advice from their GP, Aboriginal health service or local clinic about boosters,” AIDA President and GP Dr Jonathan Newchurch said.
“This outbreak shows why prevention, early intervention and sustained investment in community-controlled primary health care are essential parts of national health security,” Dr Jonathan Newchurch said.
AIDA calls on Commonwealth, state and territory governments to work transparently with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, public health units, general practice, hospitals and local leaders to ensure the response is adequately funded, culturally safe and clinically effective.
ENDS