The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in the number of infectious diseases in Afghanistan during the month of May compared to April.

According to the report, 200 people were infected with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in May, and 16 of them died. During the same period, 586 people tested positive for COVID-19, though no fatalities were recorded.

Similarly, 5,136 people contracted malaria, 216 were infected with dengue fever, 15,759 with acute diarrhea, 14,660 with measles, and 92,866 people suffered from pneumonia. Six deaths were attributed to diarrhea, 93 to measles, and 195 people lost their lives due to pneumonia.

Doctors believe that, among other factors, the closure of health centers due to the suspension of aid has contributed to the increase in disease cases.

Dr. Ikramuddin Nezami told TOLOnews: “With the suspension of these aid programs, people in many remote districts no longer have access to healthcare services, and this issue has already had and will continue to have a direct impact on the people.”

Another physician, Ahmad Shaqib Zaheer, stated: “Other international organizations can assist in strengthening the economic and social conditions of our society, and they can also take steps to deliver global aid to different regions of the country.”

Earlier this year, the WHO already reported the closure of several health centers under its support. However, in its latest report, the organization stated that it still supports 131 primary health centers across 20 provinces.