Kabul — A World Health Organization Afghanistan health emergency report says several major infectious diseases declined in August compared with July, although risks from waterborne and vaccine-preventable diseases remain.
The report said acute watery diarrhoea with dehydration fell 23.6%, pneumonia 17.4%, suspected measles 44.5%, suspected dengue 41%, suspected CCHF 36.8% and confirmed COVID-19 cases 9.2%.
In August, 18,329 acute watery diarrhoea cases and four deaths were recorded, while pneumonia accounted for 64,506 cases and 170 deaths.
WHO said 1,186,755 returnees entered Afghanistan through five key crossing points from January through August. About 588,022 entered through Torkham, 257,644 through Islam Qala, 232,078 through Milak, 73,724 through Spin Boldak and 35,287 through Bahramcha.
In August alone, 109,305 people entered Afghanistan, 59% of them from Iran.
WHO-supported facilities provided 88,305 outpatient consultations during the month. The report also said 4,380 children received Penta3 and measles vaccines, 4,172 people received mental-health counselling and 65,652 people in remote areas received health education.
WHO warned that the returnee influx is placing additional pressure on health services and said more resources are needed for outbreak preparedness and response.