KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Health officials in northeastern Kunduz province say 260 measles cases have been reported so far in 2022, showing a significant increase in the disease compared to last year.
Ezatullah Safi, statistical officer at the Kunduz Immunisation Hospital, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 260 people had contracted measles in the province this year, most of them children.
He recalled that the number of measles-infected people was 20 in 2021, but it had increased several times this year.
"The main reason behind the rising measles cases is recent fighting in the country, because vaccines did not reach all areas. We plan to start a vaccination campaign in Kunduz in coming days,” he added.
Qari Abdul Qadir told Pajhwok his son had contracted the infectious disease because he was not vaccinated.
"Due to lack of facilities at Baghlan Civil hospital, I have brought my child to Kunduz. Many children have contracted the disease. We call on the government to launch a vaccination drive for the eradication of the disease," he said.
On the other hand, doctors say the mortality rate among children suffering from malnutrition and chronic diseases is high. They want residents of the province to vaccinate their children against these diseases as well.
Measles, a respiratory infection, is highly contagious. The disease can cause serious complications in young people, infants, malnourished children, or people with weak immune systems.
mds/mud
