0
0
KABUL, Afghanistan – A concerning surge in measles cases is sweeping across Afghanistan, with reports from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supported hospitals revealing a dramatic increase in infections and a tragic rise in child mortality. Facilities in Balkh, Herat, Helmand, and Kabul have all documented a significant uptick in measles cases.
According to MSF data, a distressing average of at least one child in Afghanistan has died from measles every day in 2025. This figure represents a nearly threefold increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the severity of the current outbreak.
Health officials are urgently calling for rapid vaccination campaigns to combat the spread of the highly contagious disease, as immunization coverage remains critically low across the country.
“These are preventable deaths,” stated Mickael Le Paih, Country Representative with MSF. “Measles can be a deadly disease, particularly for children with underlying health conditions like malnutrition or congenital heart defects. It can also be prevented by a vaccine, but the immunization coverage remains low in Afghanistan.”
The crisis in Afghanistan is part of a broader global trend, with the World Health Organization (WHO) also issuing warnings about the spread of measles across Europe and the Americas. Over 127,000 cases were reported in the European region alone last year, marking a significant high since 1997.
MSF emphasizes that community-level rapid and targeted vaccination campaigns in districts experiencing outbreaks are crucial to reducing the number of measles cases. In the first eight weeks of this year, over 4,700 children were suspected of having measles in just three hospitals across Afghanistan.
“We are dedicating additional resources, but we are already running out of space for patients suffering not just from measles, but seasonal illnesses as well,” Le Paih added.
The outbreak is placing an immense burden on both children and parents, requiring collective and decisive efforts to implement targeted vaccinations and ensure widespread access to measles treatment kits. MSF currently operates seven projects in Bamyan, Helmand, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kandahar, Khost, and Kunduz, focusing on delivering secondary healthcare services.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications, including death. It is preventable through vaccination and primarily affects children.
Symptoms of Measles:
- Running nose
- Cough
- Watery eyes
- White spots inside the mouth
Complications can include blindness, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and respiratory problems such as pneumonia.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice. The situation is rapidly evolving, and information may change.
