The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in communicable diseases across Afghanistan in April.

According to the organization’s report, cases of acute diarrhea rose by 84.6%, while measles cases increased by 43.4% compared to March.

During the same period, over 128,000 cases of pneumonia and 260 related deaths were recorded.

Infectious Disease Statistics for April:
•    Measles: 18,703 cases | 111 deaths | 43.4% increase
•    Acute Diarrhea: 13,342 cases | 3 deaths | 84.6% increase
•    CCHF (Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever): 109 cases | 5 deaths | 263.3% increase
•    Dengue Fever: 131 cases | No deaths | 627.8% increase
•    Malaria: 2,982 cases | No deaths | 275.6% increase
•    Pneumonia: 128,055 cases | 260 deaths | 9% increase
•    COVID-19: 150 cases | No deaths | No change compared to the previous month

Doctors warn that the increase in these numbers highlights the urgent need for healthcare centers in remote areas and the provision of preventive healthcare services.

Dr. Seyyed Abdullah Ahmadi said: “The Ministry of Public Health must develop structured and effective plans to prevent communicable diseases and act swiftly to ensure sufficient medicine reaches remote parts of Afghanistan.”

Another physician, Dr. Fuad Ebrahimi, stated: “Vaccination efforts need support, and public awareness must increase. In rural areas, people often distrust vaccines and do not properly maintain hygiene for their children.”

Following the halt of US aid, a number of healthcare facilities in the country have been shut down. The WHO representative in Afghanistan had earlier warned that global neglect of Afghanistan could worsen the ongoing health crisis.