Over 180,000 Afghan Travelers Screened for Infectious Diseases at Iran’s Dogharoun Border
Hossein Jamshidi, the governor of Taybad in eastern Iran, has announced that more than 184,000 Afghan travelers entering Iran through the Dogharoun land border have undergone health screenings for infectious diseases since the beginning of the Iranian year 1403 (March 2024) up to the end of Mehr (October).
According to Jamshidi, these individuals were tested as part of a public health monitoring program by three local medical teams stationed in Taybad. All travelers entering from Afghanistan were screened for 16 types of communicable diseases. Among those screened, 85% were men and 15% were women.
Iran’s disease control protocol at Dogharoun also includes testing of suspected cases. Over the past seven months, 384 suspected individuals were subjected to more detailed testing, of which 17 tested positive. Entry was denied to those who tested positive.
Iranian officials stated that health certificates presented by Afghan travelers upon arrival are not accepted, and all tests are conducted free of charge by Iranian medical staff.
Jamshidi highlighted the strategic importance of Dogharoun as the primary gateway for Afghan travelers entering Iran. He noted that more than 821,000 individuals were screened at this border last year. He also criticized the lack of attention to the region’s medical tourism potential and urged more involvement from both domestic and international investors.
Emphasizing the cultural and geographical proximity between Iran and Afghanistan, he said Iran should take advantage of the positive perception among Afghans. However, he added that the necessary infrastructure is currently lacking in Dogharoun. He called on Iranian authorities to build an independent healthcare center in the region that meets full professional standards to better serve patients.
While thousands of Afghans enter Iran daily via Dogharoun, the Taliban administration—responsible for managing the border on the Afghan side and lacking international recognition—fails to ensure the health of outgoing travelers. This negligence, Iranian officials warn, could increase the risk of disease spread across the region.
Jamshidi urged international organizations and human rights bodies to hold the Taliban accountable for their humanitarian responsibilities and to ensure proper health and safety conditions for Afghan migrants.
