Deep‑rooted inequalities are driving the latest diphtheria outbreak. But we can fix them
Keywords:
Diptheria; preventative health care; remote communities; infectious diseases
Abstract:
The current diphtheria outbreak – which has spread across four Australian states and possibly claimed one man’s life – may seem unexpected. But a closer look shows it is yet another example of inequitable systems – including inadequate housing, a lack of washing facilities and under-investment in preventive health care – driving the spread of infectious disease in Australia’s remote communities.