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Afghanistan Dengue Crisis: WHO Reports 1,000+ Cases Amid Regional Outbreak

The World Health Organization has reported a worrying increase in suspected dengue cases in eastern Afghanistan. Health officials confirm over 1,000 cases recorded in November alone in Nangarhar province. Meanwhile, across the border in Pakistan, authorities are facing allegations of deliberately underreporting dengue outbreaks. Medical workers claim the actual number of infections and deaths is being systematically concealed from official records.

Key Points: WHO Reports Significant Dengue Case Rise in Eastern Afghanistan

  • WHO reports significant dengue surge in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province
  • No dengue-related deaths reported in Afghanistan despite case increase
  • Pakistan health officials accused of hiding dengue deaths and cases
  • Diagnostic delays allegedly used to manipulate official dengue statistics
2 min read

WHO reports 'significant rise' in suspected dengue cases in eastern Afghanistan

WHO reports over 1,000 suspected dengue cases in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, while Pakistan faces allegations of underreporting outbreaks in Punjab.

"Numerous dengue-related deaths have occurred in Multan's major government hospitals - Health Experts"

Kabul, November 20

The World Health Organisation on Tuesday (local time) reported a significant rise in suspected dengue cases in eastern Afghanistan, with more than 1,000 cases recorded in November, The Khaama Press reported.

According to a recent report by the World Health Organisation, the number of suspected dengue fever cases in Nangarhar province increased significantly over the past month.

Despite the surge in dengue, the WHO reported that no deaths have been reported linked to the disease as of now. The organisation is continuing to monitor the situation closely in the region.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, Dengue has gripped large parts of Punjab, especially the southern belt, while internal accounts suggest that fatalities caused by the virus are taking place but are allegedly being kept off the books by the provincial health machinery. Several insiders claim that authorities are intentionally downplaying the true scale of the outbreak through underreporting, as reported by Dawn.

According to Dawn, Multan and Faisalabad are reportedly facing the most alarming situation. The sharp rise in infections there has contradicted the health department's earlier claims that dengue was "fully under control."

Medical workers in South Punjab confirm that the number of dengue-positive patients has multiplied nearly tenfold in recent weeks.

Doctors and senior public-health experts allege that numerous dengue-related deaths have occurred in Multan's major government hospitals. However, officials responsible for reporting these fatalities were allegedly instructed not to log them onto the dengue dashboard. A health specialist stated that district commissioners and CEOs of district health authorities are exerting pressure on field officers to conceal both deaths and rising positivity figures.

Referring to the recent case of a young guard, Mohammad Imran, experts claim the diagnostic process was deliberately delayed.

The NS1 test, crucial within the initial days of fever, was sent for analysis on the ninth day, ensuring a likely negative result. WHO guidelines state that NS1 sensitivity drops sharply after a week, meaning a negative report cannot rule out dengue. Other tests later confirmed Imran as dengue-positive. /p>

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The deliberate underreporting in Pakistan is alarming. We need transparent health systems across South Asia. When our neighbors face health crises, it affects us too. India should offer help and expertise in dengue management.
A
Ananya R
As someone from Delhi where dengue is common, I can say early detection is crucial. The case of Mohammad Imran where they delayed his NS1 test is criminal! This is why people lose trust in healthcare systems. 😔
S
Sarah B
While the situation is serious, I appreciate that WHO is transparent about Afghanistan's numbers. At least they're being honest about the surge. The neighboring regions should learn from this approach rather than hiding data.
V
Vikram M
Dengue doesn't recognize borders. With Afghanistan and Pakistan both affected, India needs to be extra vigilant in our border states. Our municipal corporations should intensify fogging and cleanliness drives immediately.
M
Michael C
The part about officials pressuring field officers to hide deaths is deeply troubling. Public health should never be politicized. Hope international health organizations can intervene and ensure proper reporting mechanisms.

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