Afghanistan Sees Surge in Measles Cases in 2024, Plans Nationwide Vaccination Campaign

Afghanistan is witnessing a significant spike in measles cases this year, with the Ministry of Public Health reporting nearly 6,000 positive cases out of 10,000 suspected cases in 2024. Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil confirmed this rise in infections compared to the previous year, as reported by local media TOLO News.

In response to the outbreak, the ministry is set to launch a nationwide measles vaccination campaign to curb the spread of this highly infectious disease, which is caused by a virus and spreads through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or breathe. With measles’ ability to infect nine out of 10 unvaccinated individuals in close contact, officials are emphasizing vaccination as the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks.

The ministry’s efforts underscore the critical need for immunization amid Afghanistan’s public health challenges.

Source: dailyexcelsior

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