KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a rise in suspected measles cases and related deaths in Afghanistan, raising concerns over vaccination coverage and the country’s struggling healthcare system.
In its monthly update for February, released on Wednesday, WHO recorded 8,776 suspected measles cases and 69 related deaths—a 20% increase in cases and a 0.8% rise in deaths compared to January.
The organization stated that the surge in cases could be linked to gaps in vaccination coverage or outbreaks among vulnerable populations. According to WHO data, only 36.8% of children aged 24–35 months were fully vaccinated against measles in 2023.
While measles cases have risen, WHO reported a decline in acute respiratory infections (ARI) in February. The organization recorded 171,659 suspected ARI cases, marking a 16.7% decrease from January, with 350 related deaths. Seasonal factors such as rising temperatures may have contributed to the decline, the report suggested.
A similar downward trend was observed for other diseases, including COVID-19, Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). WHO recorded 230 suspected COVID-19 cases, 6,518 AWD cases, and 14 CCHF cases in February.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s healthcare system has faced severe challenges, with hospitals struggling due to shortages of medicine, equipment, and medical staff.
Humanitarian agencies, including WHO, have repeatedly warned of a worsening health crisis that threatens millions of Afghans with limited access to essential healthcare, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Meanwhile, aid organizations operating in Afghanistan are grappling with significant funding shortfalls, forcing them to scale back or suspend critical health services.
WHO recently warned that 80% of its supported health facilities could shut down by June without additional funding, potentially leaving millions, including women and children, without access to medical care.
