Algeria faces surge in malaria, diphtheria deaths

At least 100 people lost their lives to malaria and diphtheria which affected scores in southern Algeria amid a slow reaction from the central government, according to independent observers.

Independent journalist Adbou Semmar, citing sources from the ground, said at least 10 people die every day because of lack of medical care following the outbreak of the diseases in the south.

The government, blamed for not taking appropriate measures to contain the epidemics, said only 24 deaths have been registered in the southernmost towns of Tinzzaouatine, Guezzam, and Bordj badji Mokhtar.

The regime has imposed a media blackout on the epidemic outbreak, as Algerian media treat the issue with utter indifference following the example of the Algerian government.

As hundreds continue to suffer in silence, the Algerian regime- through some of its mouthpieces, puts the blame on refugees fleeing the infighting in northern Mali.

The outbreak highlights the scale of marginalization suffered by the Tuareg-inhabited south, despite its oil and gas wealth.

Algeria’s malaria hit south lacks in testing capacity as it continues to rely on Pasteur Institute in Algiers for blood tests 2300 km to the north of the malaria and diphtheria hit areas, Kamel Sanhadji, head of Algeria’s sanitary security agency, told the Algerian state radio.

Diphtheria has been spreading since August 28, and little has been done to contain the spread of the disease.

Images and videos shared online showed people lying on the ground in the hospital of Timiaouine unable to get proper medical care.