The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a substantial rise in Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in Afghanistan, with almost 119,000 recorded cases and nearly 300 related fatalities reported over the past three weeks.
In a report published on Thursday, January 25, WHO disclosed that from January 1, 2024, to the present, 118,815 cases of ARI pneumonia and 292 associated deaths were recorded across 34 provinces. “Out of the total cases, 74,613 (62.8%) were under-five children and 58,756 (49.5%) were females.” WHO stated.
The report indicates a significant increase compared to the three preceding years in the reported numbers. However, the rise in ARI cases over the last three weeks, as per the report, may be attributed to the onset of colder weather across the country.
WHO warns that exposure to polluted and toxic air may result in serious risks, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, shortness of breath, and other chronic and acute respiratory diseases. At the beginning of winter, the UN agency advised people to adhere to health guidelines, wear warm clothing, drink sufficient warm water, and avoid cold drinks.
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, brought about global economic sanctions, and a humanitarian crisis, and imposed draconian restrictions on women’s freedom of movement, work, and education. The country is currently facing a prolonged humanitarian crisis, with millions of people living with poor or no access to healthcare facilities, food, warm clothing, and clean drinking water, putting them at severe risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks.
On the other hand, a critical lack of funding and healthcare workers has pushed the country’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse. UN agencies warned earlier that this funding shortfall puts millions of lives at risk, exacerbating the existing hardships of hunger, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and a severe drought. “Afghanistan’s healthcare system is facing a significant funding deficiency, and if left unsupported, will have a devastating impact on the health of Afghans, especially women and children,” WHO warned.
Last year, the WHO warned that due to funding shortfall, around 8 million people in Afghanistan will lose access to essential and potentially lifesaving health assistance, and 450,000 patients will have little to no access to life-saving trauma care services, including blood transfusions and referrals. In addition, an estimated 1.6 million people with mental health conditions will have little to no access to mental health consultation and psychosocial support.
The Taliban’s restrictive policies and practices have also complicated efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian and healthcare crisis in Afghanistan. The regime’s ban on women working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has resulted in the suspension of numerous health and nutrition teams. This has not only disrupted the delivery of essential services but also significantly reduced the vital contributions of women in the healthcare sector.
