Diphtheria Testing Updates: WHO Webinar on Outbreak Diagnostics (2026)

Unveiling the Latest Strategies to Combat Diphtheria: A Global Health Emergency

Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, continues to pose a significant threat to global health. This webinar aims to shed light on the critical role of laboratory testing in managing outbreaks and the ongoing efforts to improve diagnostic capabilities worldwide.

We'll delve into the following key aspects:
- Expert Insights: Join us as renowned experts, including Dr. Stefanie Vaccher from the WHO Regional Office for Africa, Mrs. Lisa Stevens from WHO Headquarters, and Prof. Androulla Efstratiou from the UK Health Security Agency, share their invaluable knowledge and experiences. They will discuss the challenges and breakthroughs in diphtheria testing, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape.
- Global Collaboration: This event also features Prof. Andreas Sing and Dr. Anja Berger from the Bavarian Health & Food Safety Agency, Germany, and Dr. Muzammil Gadanya from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Their participation highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling global health crises.
- Practical Recommendations: Attendees will gain practical insights into the latest testing methods and strategies to address diphtheria outbreaks. But here's where it gets controversial—how do we ensure these recommendations are accessible and applicable in resource-limited settings?

This webinar is part of a knowledge-sharing initiative launched in May 2020, designed to facilitate the dissemination of WHO guidance and best practices among public health laboratories globally. WHO acknowledges the invaluable support of its technical and financial partners in making this series possible.

Join us to explore the cutting-edge of diphtheria testing and be part of the conversation on improving global health preparedness!

Image credit: WHO / Etinosa Yvonne