WHO Reports Sharp Rise in Respiratory Illnesses in Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its latest monthly report on disease trends in Afghanistan, highlighting a significant increase in respiratory illnesses during the month of October.
According to the report, no malaria-related deaths were recorded in October, and the number of confirmed malaria cases fell by approximately 10% compared to September. Despite this decline, more than 15,200 people were infected with malaria during the month, most of whom were from the eastern provinces of the country.
In contrast, respiratory illnesses caused the deaths of 197 people in October, marking a 54% increase from September. The WHO described this trend as alarming and attributed the surge to falling temperatures and reduced public access to healthcare services.
The report also highlighted a dramatic rise in dengue fever cases. Although no deaths were reported, over 1,800 positive cases were identified, representing more than a fivefold increase from the previous month. Most of these cases were reported in Nangarhar Province.
WHO data further revealed that over 309,000 people across Afghanistan suffered from diarrhea in October, resulting in eight deaths. Additionally, 120 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were reported, leading to five deaths—a 25% decrease compared to September. The majority of these cases were recorded in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kandahar, and Sheberghan.
In terms of measles, the organization documented more than 3,700 confirmed cases in October, five of which were fatal. Most of the affected individuals were located in Kabul, Lashkargah, Taloqan, and Mazar-i-Sharif.
The WHO has also issued a warning that addressing Afghanistan’s health crisis requires $279.7 million in funding, but so far it has received only $123 million. Health experts have cited the Taliban administration’s weak healthcare management and funding shortfalls as among the chief factors driving the spread of disease and the declining quality of medical services in various parts of the country.
