WHO Reports Outbreaks of Respiratory Infections, Diarrhea, and Scabies Among Afghan Returnees from Iran and Pakistan

Kokcha News Agency: The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over outbreaks of infectious diseases among Afghan returnees from Iran and Pakistan. Between June 16 and 30, a total of 254,280 individuals entered Afghanistan, with 92% crossing the Iran border. The majority of returnees (72%) were recorded at the Islam Qala border, where 849 individuals were identified with symptoms of infectious diseases.

According to the WHO, 382 people were suffering from diarrhea, 60 had suspected cases of COVID-19, and 66 were diagnosed with scabies, a contagious skin disease. The organization has warned that this year, approximately 1.6 million people are expected to return from Pakistan and about 2 million from Iran, further straining Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system.

Funding Shortages Threaten Healthcare Services
The WHO has also expressed concerns that a shortage of funds poses a serious risk to the continued delivery of healthcare services to returnees. The organization emphasized the urgent need for international support to address the growing health crisis and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure has been severely impacted by years of conflict, economic instability, and the withdrawal of international aid following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The influx of returnees, many of whom are in poor health, has exacerbated the situation, with limited resources available to provide adequate medical care.