This clinical practice guideline has been rapidly developed recognizing the global increase in diphtheria outbreaks. Outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria, Guinea and neighbouring countries in 2023 have highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of diphtheria. Given the sporadic nature of outbreaks, many clinicians in the affected regions have never managed acute diphtheria and its related complications. Diphtheria case definition is provided in the WHO document: Diphtheria: Vaccine Preventable Diseases Surveillance Standards.

WHO develops up-to-date technical guidance for clinical management of diphtheria patients, focused on therapeutics. This work is supported by the Guidelines Development Group.