KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in infectious diseases across Afghanistan, as the country’s health system continues to struggle and international support diminishes.
In its monthly update for April, WHO recorded nearly 380 deaths caused by infectious diseases across the country. The organization attributed this surge to a combination of a crippled health infrastructure, seasonal factors, and an increase in returnees from neighboring countries.
In April, WHO recorded 18,703 suspected measles cases and 111 associated deaths — a 43.4% increase in cases and a 26% rise in deaths compared to March.
The number of suspected cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) rose sharply to 13,342, with three associated deaths, marking an 84.6% increase over the previous month.
Cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) also spiked. WHO recorded 109 suspected cases and five deaths in April, up from just 30 cases and no deaths in March — a 263.3% increase.
Dengue fever cases increased significantly, with 131 suspected cases recorded in April, reflecting an over 627% rise compared to March.
WHO also confirmed 2,982 cases of malaria last month, an increase from 794 cases recorded in March, representing a 275.6% rise. The organization attributed this increase to seasonal mosquito activity and the return of thousands of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the number of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) pneumonia cases dropped slightly to 128,055, with 260 related deaths — a 9% decrease from the previous month.
Afghanistan’s health crisis has worsened since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, due to a combination of restrictive policies, a deteriorating humanitarian situation, reduced international aid, and the influx of millions of people from neighboring countries.
Hundreds of clinics and health centers have closed across Afghanistan in recent years — some due to funding cuts, while others were impacted by policies limiting women’s participation in healthcare and humanitarian work.
As a result, millions of Afghans — particularly women and children — are left without access to essential medical care and clean water, increasing their vulnerability to disease outbreaks.
