Kabul: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a rise in deaths caused by respiratory diseases in Afghanistan. According to WHO, in January 2025 alone, more than 506 people lost their lives due to respiratory illnesses.
The WHO report, released on Tuesday, March 4, states that over 206,000 people were affected by respiratory diseases in January. The data indicates a 0.2% increase in fatalities compared to December 2024, while the number of cases rose by 54% during the same period.
The organization emphasized the urgent need to enhance healthcare services across Afghanistan as the number of severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia, continues to grow. Additionally, WHO has stressed the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
The report highlights WHO's efforts in strengthening Afghanistan's healthcare sector. In January 2025, the organization supported 131 primary healthcare centers across 20 provinces and improved medical services in nine hospitals across seven provinces. These facilities provide treatment for infectious diseases, emergency cases, and mental health conditions.
Meanwhile, the WHO has also recorded a significant increase in measles cases in Afghanistan. According to the report, 7,303 suspected cases were registered in January 2025, marking a 71.4% rise compared to December 2024. Additionally, 42 measles-related deaths were reported during the same month.
Earlier, WHO had warned that respiratory diseases tend to increase among children and elderly individuals, especially in remote and cold regions of Afghanistan, during the winter season. The organization also raised concerns about limited access to healthcare services for women and girls in some parts of the country.
The report further states that 23.7 million Afghans—half of the country’s population—are in need of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, 12.4 million people in Afghanistan are experiencing food insecurity, with 2.9 million facing severe hunger.
