2018, Number 3
Rapid response for diphtheria control in the Dominican Republic
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Language: English
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Page: 5-5
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To the Editors:
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a toxin-producing bacterium that causes respiratory or cutaneous manifestations and, without treatment, can lead to mortality. Key to diphtheria control is prevention by vaccination, which can be a challenge for health
leaders in low-resource settings.
WHO reported stark differences in 2015–2016 three-dose diphtheria (DTwP) vaccine coverage rates across the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by the Dominican Republic (DR)
and Haiti. In the DR, with 4 reported cases, national vaccination coverage with the third dose was estimated at 86%, while almost 60% of DR municipalities reached 80% coverage. In Haiti, with 37 reported cases, national third-dose coverage was estimated at 60%, while almost 30% of Haitian municipalities reached 80%. Since the two nations share a political border, characterized by active binational commerce and cross-border movement, robust emergency preparedness for natural hazards or disease outbreaks is essential to enhance population health.
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