WHO warns of speedy decline in public health conditions in Afghanistan

WHO warns of speedy decline in public health conditions in Afghanistan.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a Geneva-based UN agency, Healthcare provision is deteriorating fast in Afghanistan.

It further warned that with cases of measles and diarrhoea shooting up, and polio becoming a “major risk”.

WHO warns of speedy decline in public health conditions in Afghanistan

It also noted the coronavirus response has also declined and almost half of the country’s children are at risk of malnutrition.

Moreover, the agency pointed out that only 17 per cent of the over 2,300 health facilities previously supported by the World Bank, remain fully functional.

Two-thirds of which have run out of essential medicines.

Despite the rapidly deteriorating health situation, WHO said it is working with donors to sustain health facilities to prevent outbreaks, and rising illness.

And as the coronavirus continues to remain a significant challenge, the UN health agency is boosting surveillance and testing capacities within the country.

The WHO said that recently, we have airlifted 50,000 COVID-19 tests that are being distributed to 32 labs across the country.

It further said that 10 more labs are also being planned.

Several humanitarian partners on the ground reiterated their commitment to continue working together with the UN. They have vowed to support the nation’s ailing health system.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric address

Meanwhile, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric addressed a regular news briefing in New York.

He said that the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will scale up their work in the country.

That means with up to 100 new mobile health and nutrition teams.

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said that midwives throughout Afghanistan are continuing to operate.

That bring critical life-saving care to women and girls in need.

UNFPA’s midwifery helpline has been providing uninterrupted remote support to midwives.

It supports them as they are facing complicated deliveries, dangerous pregnancies and other critical concerns.

OCHA launched a Flash Appeal

Besides, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched a Flash Appeal on 7 September.

That aims to help 11 million people survive as food is running out and the country’s basic services are on the verge of collapse.

Furthermore, the UN requested $606 million in the remaining months of this year.

Mr. Dujarric reminded that appeal got only 22 per cent funded. According to OCHA’s calculation, it represents just $135 million.

He said that UN is asking donors to fast-track funding to prevent avoidable deaths.

Besides, UN wants to prevent displacement and reduce suffering.

Moreover, he said that we are also asking our donors to ensure that funding remains flexible enough to adapt to the fast-changing conditions on the ground.

GTV