Measles cases drop in Afghanistan in November

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a more than 10% decrease in the number of confirmed measles cases in Afghanistan in November 2024 compared to the previous month.

In a statement issued on Sunday, December 29, the WHO announced that 3,482 new measles cases had been recorded in Afghanistan during November 2024.

According to the WHO, 12 people infected with measles have died in Afghanistan during this month.

Previously, the WHO had reported an increase in measles cases in Afghanistan earlier this year.

Based on WHO statistics, a total of 36,326 suspected measles cases and 160 related deaths have been recorded in Afghanistan since the beginning of this year.

However, the Ministry of Public Health of the Taliban has recently announced that the necessary budget for the measles vaccination campaign has been secured, and a nationwide public vaccination campaign will begin next year.

At the same time, humanitarian organizations have continuously expressed concerns about the lack of access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas of Afghanistan, where many citizens face significant challenges in obtaining essential medical care.

The reduction in measles cases is a positive development, but the overall situation remains concerning, especially given the high number of deaths and the ongoing risk of outbreaks.

Humanitarian agencies and health authorities must continue working together to ensure that vaccines reach all vulnerable populations, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. The ongoing support for these efforts is critical to preventing further spread of measles and reducing the number of preventable deaths in Afghanistan.

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