By Robyn Wuth

A multi-million dollar funding package will be rolled out to fight Australia’s worst diphtheria outbreak in decades, as hospitals in the Top End feel the strain and case numbers keep rising.

The money will support the Northern Territory and Aboriginal community-controlled health services, which are on the front line of an outbreak that has seen a once‑rare disease return.

More than 230 diphtheria cases have been recorded across Australia this year – about 30 times the usual yearly average and the biggest outbreak since national records began.

About 60 per cent of cases are in the Northern Territory, with more infections in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. Almost all have been in Indigenous Australians.

The $7.2 million funding package announced by the Albanese government includes $5.2 million for the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre to send extra doctors and nurses into hard‑hit communities, deliver booster vaccinations and treatment, and buy more vaccines and antibiotics.

Another $2 million will go to national Aboriginal community‑controlled health organisations to work with the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, local services and other groups in the NT and affected states.

That money will support clear health messages, local community workers and day‑to‑day public health work in towns and remote communities where the disease is spreading.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the size and speed of the outbreak were worrying.

“Vaccination for diphtheria is safe and it is an incredibly effective tool against disease,” he said.

“We have enough vaccine and we are making sure it is getting to the right communities.

“This package will ensure those Australians that need the vaccine will get access quickly and appropriately.”

Diphtheria often begins like a bad cold but can quickly turn deadly. The bacteria produce toxins that can form a thick grey layer in the throat, block the airway and cause suffocation. About a quarter of patients in the current outbreak have needed hospital care.

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy urged people not to assume they are fully vaccinated.

“If you are unsure about whether your vaccinations are up to date, speak to your GP or health clinic,” she said.