WHO: 142 Pneumonia Deaths Recorded in Afghanistan as Health Crisis Deepens

Kabul, Afghanistan — The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a growing health emergency in Afghanistan after reporting 142 pneumonia-related deaths in August, alongside sharp increases in malaria, measles, and diarrheal diseases. The agency says the country’s fragile health system is under mounting strain, with millions at risk if urgent support is not provided.

According to WHO’s latest health update, more than 68,000 new pneumonia cases were recorded nationwide last month, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the country. “Pneumonia continues to be one of the leading killers of Afghan children under five,” said Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan. “Most of these deaths are preventable with timely access to antibiotics, oxygen, and proper hospital care — yet for many families, these services remain out of reach.”

The update also noted a year-on-year increase in malaria cases, raising concerns that seasonal rains could fuel further spread. At least 17 measles deaths were confirmed in August, though the number fell compared with July. Meanwhile, acute diarrheal disease claimed 11 lives last month, reflecting ongoing water and sanitation challenges in both rural and urban areas.

Health experts are equally worried about the growing cancer burden among Afghan women. Breast and cervical cancers have emerged as the most common, yet patients often seek treatment only in advanced stages of illness. “We are seeing women come to hospitals when it is already too late for effective treatment,” said Dr. Farida Ahmad, an oncologist at a Kabul hospital. “The lack of screening programs, limited awareness, and shortages of oncology services mean thousands of women are dying unnecessarily.”

The situation has been further worsened by natural disasters. WHO noted that the recent earthquake in Kunar province damaged clinics and disrupted access to care for already vulnerable communities. “Every new disaster compounds the humanitarian crisis,” said Dr. Dapeng. “Without stronger health infrastructure, Afghanistan will remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks and emergencies.”

Afghanistan’s healthcare system, heavily dependent on international aid, is struggling with shortages of medicines, equipment, and trained health workers. Many hospitals are operating at limited capacity, leaving millions with little or no access to lifesaving services.

“Afghanistan is on the brink of a full-scale health crisis,” warned Dr. Richard Brennan, WHO’s Regional Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “We urgently need more support to expand vaccination, improve disease surveillance, strengthen maternal and child health services, and address the rising cancer burden among women.”

Public health specialists say immediate international support is critical to prevent the crisis from spiraling. “The world cannot turn away from Afghanistan,” Dr. Ahmad stressed. “Lives are being lost every day to diseases that are entirely preventable and treatable.”

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