WHO Reports Decline in Respiratory and Other Infectious Diseases in Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) said in its August report that 64,506 cases of acute respiratory infections were recorded across Afghanistan during the month, with 170 deaths reported.
According to the organisation, 78,082 cases of acute respiratory infections were recorded in the previous month, with 198 deaths. This represents a 17.4 percent decline in deaths from these infections.
WHO also reported 18,329 cases of acute diarrhoeal diseases in August, with at least four deaths. In the previous month, 23,985 cases of acute diarrhoeal diseases were recorded, with 14 deaths, representing a 23.6 percent decline in cases.
The organisation also said 279 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported in August, continuing the decline from the previous month. According to the report, 473 suspected cases were recorded in July, meaning the number fell by 41 percent in August.
Meanwhile, 1,423 suspected measles cases were recorded in August, with seven deaths. In the previous month, 2,562 suspected cases and nine deaths were reported, representing a 44.5 percent decline in suspected cases in August.
The report also said 168 confirmed COVID-19 cases were recorded in August, down from 185 in the previous month, a 9.2 percent decline.
WHO further reported 191 suspected cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in August, with 11 deaths. The previous month saw 302 suspected cases, representing a 36.8 percent decline.
The organisation said it continues to maintain a strategic health network across Afghanistan and provides essential healthcare services through 41 primary healthcare centres in nine provinces.
The network is supported by specialised services, including six specialised and integrated national infectious disease hospitals, one trauma and emergency care centre, one national mental health hospital and five inpatient mental health units across eight provinces.
According to the report, to maintain these efforts and strengthen the resilience of Afghanistan’s health system, WHO distributed 212 medical equipment packages in August and provided specialised training to 750 healthcare workers.
