The Australian government has announced a 7.2-million-Australian-dollar (about 5.14 million US dollars) package to respond to the largest diphtheria outbreak since national record-keeping began, according to Health Minister Mark Butler. The announcement was made on May 21, 2026, in Canberra.
The funding will be used to enhance vaccination efforts, increase public awareness, and support health services in affected regions. Diphtheria, a bacterial infection that can cause severe respiratory problems, has seen a resurgence in parts of Australia, particularly among under-vaccinated populations.
Health officials have emphasized the importance of vaccination to control the outbreak. The package includes resources for targeted immunization campaigns and improved surveillance to track the spread of the disease.
