Officials at Mirwais Provincial Hospital in Kandahar said hundreds of children have been infected with seasonal illnesses in the province as winter approaches.

According to officials, at least 800 children have been brought to the hospital in the past month.

Karimullah, deputy head of the pediatric treatment unit at Mirwais seminary hospital, told TOLOnews that up to 40 sick children are brought to the hospital every day.

"We used to have 500 to 600 patients per month and now it is 800 because seasonal diseases have increased," he told TOLOnews.

Families of sick children at the hospital say most of the children have fallen ill due to cold weather.

"When you educate the child well, look and wash well, he will not get sick," said Osmanya, resident of Shah Wali Koot district.

"They do not wash their hands, if they keep themself clean, they will not become ill.” said Fatima, resident of Dand-e-Chanin district.

Doctors consider the use of clean water, healthy food and hygiene tips as the best and easiest way to prevent seasonal diseases.