KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an increase in infectious diseases across Afghanistan, warning that the country’s crippled healthcare system is struggling to cope with the crisis.
In its January report, released on Tuesday, WHO said over 206,000 cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI)-pneumonia were recorded in January, with 506 deaths. The figures mark a 54% rise in cases and a slight increase in fatalities compared to the previous month.
“Acute respiratory infections, including pneumonia, remain a major health challenge in Afghanistan,” the WHO said. “This underscores the urgent need for strengthened case management, improved healthcare access, and a sustained focus on vaccination and preventive measures.”
The report also highlighted a worsening measles outbreak, with 7,307 suspected cases and 42 related deaths in January—a 71.4% increase from December. Cases of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) rose to 7,885, resulting in two deaths.
On a positive note, WHO reported a decline in COVID-19 cases, with 565 infections and three deaths. Cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and malaria also decreased, with 23 and 1,099 cases respectively, and no malaria-related deaths.
Afghanistan’s healthcare system has been in crisis since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. International sanctions, coupled with a worsening humanitarian situation, have left millions with little or no access to medical care, food, and clean drinking water.
A critical funding shortfall has further strained healthcare services, with UN agencies warning that millions of lives are at risk due to hunger, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks.
Restrictions imposed by the Taliban have exacerbated the crisis, particularly their ban on women working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which has led to the suspension of many health and nutrition programs. The move has disrupted essential services and reduced the role of female healthcare workers in addressing the country’s growing health emergency.
