The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is supporting the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in Afghanistan's central Bamyan province with financial assistance from the European Union, aiming to improve people's access to essential diagnostic services.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the WHO said the laboratory has so far carried out 1,215 tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, COVID-19 and microbiological examinations. Stronger diagnostics, it said, will help detect infectious diseases early and get patients treated on time.
Many people in Afghanistan have limited access to quality healthcare, particularly specialised diagnostic services. According to sources, patients often pay high costs for such tests and travel long distances to facilities in other cities.