As of 23 September, Afghanistan has reported 154 929 cases of COVID-19 and 7194 deaths. Due to interruptions to COVID-19 surveillance and a significant decline in testing because of the recent insecurity, we know there is an underreporting of cases.
WHO is boosting the COVID-19 testing capacity in the country. Recently, we have airlifted 50 000 COVID-19 tests that are currently being distributed to 32 laboratories across the country. Some 150 000 more COVID-19 tests are in the pipeline and will be delivered in the next 3-9 months. WHO has recently established a new testing site in Nimroz province and 10 more laboratories are planned in different provinces.
With only one case of wild poliovirus reported so far this year, compared to 56 in 2020, we have an extraordinary opportunity to eradicate polio. Together with partners, WHO is ready to implement a door-to-door polio vaccination campaign across the country. Given that the measles outbreaks are also spreading, the polio programme plans to deliver an integrated campaign, including measles and COVID-19 vaccination.
Escalating health needs are continuing to strain health facilities, which remain short on essential supplies. WHO’s operation and logistics team is working round the clock to deliver supplies across Afghanistan to fill these shortages. WHO was the first humanitarian agency to deliver medicines and medical supplies in August 2021 after disruptions to the Kabul airport. Since then, we have airlifted more than 170 metric tonnes of life-saving supplies and are exploring options to expedite further shipments into the country.
We are continuing support for 130 trauma care facilities and 67 blood banks and plan to resume capacity-building training for health staff.
The health of women and children of this country will depend on the availability of female doctors, nurses and midwives. We call for a safe and productive work environment for female health workers, and for their ongoing education and training.
I reaffirm WHO’s support to Afghanistan and that we will continue delivering a coordinated health response through more than 50 partners.
Related link
Statement by WHO Regional Director at WHO press briefing on Afghanistan and Lebanon
