Diphtheria, a Once Vanquished Killer of Children, Is Resurgent

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Stephanie NolenOctober 27, 2025 at 08:43 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease that was once largely eradicated, is resurging in countries like Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Chad due to war, climate change, and decreased vaccination rates. The disease, which causes a thick membrane in the throat leading to breathing difficulties and can be fatal if untreated, has affected thousands of children. In Somalia's capital Mogadishu, a hospital ward is treating numerous cases, highlighting how disruptions from conflicts and reduced healthcare capacity have fueled its return. This resurgence also reflects global challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and the strain on health systems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Topics & Entities

Brian Otieno 40% Demartino Public Hospital 50% Qurraisha Mukhtar ×260% Dr. Mohamud Omar 70% Mogadishu ×280% Somalia ×390% Diphtheria ×6100%

Keywords

diphtheria 100% vaccine-preventable disease 90% somalia 80% climate change 70% vaccine hesitancy 60% health systems 50% civil war 50% displacement 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

New York Times - World

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.30)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Somalia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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diphtheria vaccine-preventable disease somalia climate change vaccine hesitancy health systems civil war displacement

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