This year Ukraine has recorded 20 cases of diphtheria, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The largest outbreak of a dangerous disease occurred in Zakarpattia region - 5 cases, in Khmelnytsky, Luhansk, Ternopil regions - 1 case in each region, in the Kyiv city - 2 cases of the dangerous disease have been registered. Another 10 cases when people occurred carriers of the disease were reported in Zakarpattia region.

As of early October 2019, 1.8 million doses of the DTaP vaccine, 141,000 doses of ADP (not containing the tetanus component) and 4.9 million doses of ADP-m are available in Ukraine. This amount is sufficient to provide all citizens who need vaccination according to the immunization schedule with vaccines.

Diphtheria antitoxin and antibacterial therapy are used to treat diphtheria. In August this year, Ukraine received humanitarian aid from WHO - 200 bottles of diphtheria antitoxin. Until now, 13 doses have been used in Zakarpattia region and Kyiv city, with about 180 doses remaining that have been distributed between regions.

“We have been actively communicating with the health departments in the regions to strengthen the surveillance of diphtheria on the ground. The most important thing is the proactive work of doctors in the regions, which should sound the alarm and urge all children and adults for vaccination!” said Minister of Health Zoriana Skaletska.

According to her, only 60% of babies have been vaccinated against diphtheria, while adults - only 50%.

"Vaccines are available – demand from your family doctor, pediatrician or therapist," Zoriana Skaletska urged.