Alarming Increase in Measles Cases Among Women and Children in Afghanistan

According to the organization's report, over 39,000 suspected measles cases and 170 measles-related deaths have been recorded in Afghanistan from the beginning of this year until July 20.

The report, published today Thursday (July 25), indicates that most of the measles cases are among children under five years old and women.

WHO stated that suspected measles cases have been increasing since the beginning of the year, showing a significant rise compared to 2023 and the average of the two preceding years.

The provinces of Khost, Balkh, Samangan, and Jawzjan have the highest numbers of suspected measles cases in Afghanistan.

To combat the disease, WHO has implemented measures such as training vaccination teams, distributing measles management kits, and conducting vaccination campaigns.

The Taliban's Ministry of Public Health has not yet reacted to this WHO report.

Previously, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also expressed concern over the rising measles cases in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for more serious preventive measures.

MSF stated that children are more vulnerable to this disease because in Afghanistan, children do not receive their first dose of the measles vaccine until they are nine months old.

MSF recommended: "To reduce future outbreaks and mortality among infants, MSF suggests administering the first dose of the measles vaccine at six months and continuously striving to vaccinate all children in Afghanistan against this disease."

It is worth noting that the increase in measles cases in Afghanistan comes as WHO recorded around 25,000 suspected measles cases and 64 related deaths in Afghanistan throughout in the twelfth month of 2023.