The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 6.2% increase in suspected measles cases across Afghanistan from one week to the next in April.

According to the organization, from April 11 to 17, twenty-one people died from measles in Afghanistan, nineteen of whom were children under the age of five.

The highest number of fatalities occurred in the provinces of Helmand, Herat, Kabul, Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Bamiyan, and Jawzjan.

The report states: "During week 20-2025, a total of 4,043 suspected cases and 21 associated deaths (CFR=0.5%) were reported, which shows a 6.2% increase in the number of suspected cases compared to the preceding week. Out of the total cases, 2,027 (50.1%) were females and 2,951 (73.0%) were under-five children.”

Dr. Sayed Abdullah Ahmadi said: "The return of migrants who had previously gone to neighboring countries and are now coming back home has unfortunately raised greater concerns about the spread of various diseases. The Ministry of Public Health needs to establish mobile clinics in all border areas."

Doctors highlight vaccination as one of the key measures to prevent the spread of this disease.

Dr. Sakhi Yar told TOLOnews: "Vaccination is the only solution. Children must be vaccinated on time, and crowding should be avoided so that sick children do not come into contact with healthy ones."

According to WHO statistics, since the beginning of this year, measles has shown a steady increase in Afghanistan and reached its peak in week 16—higher than in previous years.