RASC News Agency: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the surge in measles cases in Afghanistan, reporting that at least 160 deaths from the disease have been recorded in 2024. In its latest report, the WHO noted that the incidence of measles in Afghanistan has increased this year compared to the previous year and the year before.
The report states that from July 1 to July 7, 1,597 measles cases and 13 measles-related deaths were registered, reflecting a 5.3% increase from the previous week. According to the WHO report, six deaths occurred in Kandahar, five in Helmand, three in Baghlan, and two in Faryab. Additionally, one death was recorded in each of the provinces of Khost, Faryab, and Nimroz.
Notably, all measles-related deaths involved children, including seven girls. The WHO reports that since the beginning of the year, a total of 36,618 measles cases have been documented. Of these, 29,326 were children under five years old, and 16,582 were girls.
The report also highlights that Khost province has recorded the highest number of measles cases. This situation arises amid ongoing concerns from humanitarian organizations about the lack of access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
