Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports a surge in measles cases in Afghanistan, with daily child fatalities, largely preventable by vaccination. MSF is expanding treatment facilities to manage the increasing patient load across several hospitals. Enhanced community vaccination efforts are necessary to control this outbreak effectively and mitigate hospital overcrowding.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has observed a significant increase in measles cases in Afghanistan, reporting higher patient admissions in three hospitals since January 2025. The organization raised concerns over the early surge in cases, noting that Afghanistan already experiences endemic levels of measles. Data indicates that a child dies from measles daily, leading to nearly three times the deaths recorded during the same timeframe last year.
Mickael Le Paih, the MSF country representative, emphasized that these mortality rates are preventable through vaccination. Low immunisation coverage in Afghanistan continues to hinder efforts, and targeted community vaccinations could mitigate outbreaks. MSF’s support in local hospitals includes monitoring and treating measles patients, with 4,799 children suspected of having measles evaluated in the first eight weeks of the year.
Of those evaluated, 25% have severe complications requiring hospitalization, while the remaining 75% need outpatient care. In response to the rising number of complicated cases, MSF has expanded isolation facilities at Herat Regional Hospital and reinforced staffing and medication supplies. The hospital admitted 664 patients, reflecting a 180% increase from 2024.
Boost Provincial Hospital in Helmand recorded 1,866 suspected cases, a 369% increase, while Mazar-i-Sharif Regional Hospital treated 1,499 patients, a 35.6% increase compared to last year. Le Paih noted that despite increased resources, patient space is limited due to concurrent seasonal illnesses. MSF operates seven health projects across several provinces, focusing on secondary healthcare services, with more than 404,500 emergency consultations provided in 2024.
In summary, the surge in measles cases in Afghanistan poses significant health challenges, with alarming mortality rates. MSF advocates for enhanced vaccination efforts to prevent further deaths. The organization is actively responding to these outbreaks, increasing hospital capacity and resources, yet faces constraints due to the volume of patients and seasonal illnesses. The situation underscores the urgent need for improved immunisation coverage nationwide.
Original Source: pajhwok.com
