Sourcing and managing the distribution of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT): Pharmacy Services, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness (WCGHW), South Africa, response to the diphtheria outbreak commencing in 2024
1
Medicine Management, Laboratory and Blood Support Services, Western Cape Department of Health and Welfare, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A638
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial disease. As of 19 December 2024, the Western Cape Province (WCP) recorded 36 positive diphtheria results for the calendar year, primarily in November and December 2024. Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) is a serum containing antibodies to neutralize the diphtheria toxin. Early treatment with DAT prior to toxins binding to cells is extremely important and should be given based on clinical suspicion before laboratory confirmation where feasible. DAT is an unregistered medicine in South Africa and sourced via an application to the country’s Regulatory Authority for permission to import stock. Due to global shortages of DAT at the time of the outbreak, the province faced significant challenges in sourcing supply, prompting the WCP to request support from the World Health Organization (WHO) to obtain DAT on a compassionate basis.
AIM:
To ensure adequate and prompt supplies of DAT to treat patients. The outbreak required a multi-faceted response, involving real-time patient tracking, expert consultations, and extensive coordination among healthcare providers.
METHODS:
A SharePoint platform was developed for reporting and tracking of DAT with access limited to key role-players to allow real-time monitoring of the distribution and movement of DAT throughout the province, and uploading of pertinent patient information. Pharmacy Services played a key role in monitoring stock levels and ensuring appropriate distribution and procurement of DAT.
RESULTS:
By collaborating with the WHO for a steady supply of DAT with real-time patient tracking, cases were managed efficiently. The pharmacy department’s proactive role in stock management ensured uninterrupted availability and management of this critical medication.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Western Cape’s response to the diphtheria outbreak has demonstrated a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach involving the WHO, local healthcare providers, and the pharmacy sector. The response highlighted the importance of timely collaboration and preparedness in managing infectious disease outbreaks.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial disease. As of 19 December 2024, the Western Cape Province (WCP) recorded 36 positive diphtheria results for the calendar year, primarily in November and December 2024. Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) is a serum containing antibodies to neutralize the diphtheria toxin. Early treatment with DAT prior to toxins binding to cells is extremely important and should be given based on clinical suspicion before laboratory confirmation where feasible. DAT is an unregistered medicine in South Africa and sourced via an application to the country’s Regulatory Authority for permission to import stock. Due to global shortages of DAT at the time of the outbreak, the province faced significant challenges in sourcing supply, prompting the WCP to request support from the World Health Organization (WHO) to obtain DAT on a compassionate basis.
AIM:
To ensure adequate and prompt supplies of DAT to treat patients. The outbreak required a multi-faceted response, involving real-time patient tracking, expert consultations, and extensive coordination among healthcare providers.
METHODS:
A SharePoint platform was developed for reporting and tracking of DAT with access limited to key role-players to allow real-time monitoring of the distribution and movement of DAT throughout the province, and uploading of pertinent patient information. Pharmacy Services played a key role in monitoring stock levels and ensuring appropriate distribution and procurement of DAT.
RESULTS:
By collaborating with the WHO for a steady supply of DAT with real-time patient tracking, cases were managed efficiently. The pharmacy department’s proactive role in stock management ensured uninterrupted availability and management of this critical medication.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Western Cape’s response to the diphtheria outbreak has demonstrated a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach involving the WHO, local healthcare providers, and the pharmacy sector. The response highlighted the importance of timely collaboration and preparedness in managing infectious disease outbreaks.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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