Child malnutrition in Afghanistan amid a deepening humanitarian crisis

Rahmat, Zainab Syyeda; Rafi, Hania Mansoor; Nadeem, Arsalan; Salman, Yumna; Nawaz, Faisal A.; Essar, Mohammad Yasir

doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihac055

Cited by 7 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 6 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…Notably, in May alone, more than 500,000 cases were officially registered, and approximately 10% of these cases presented with dehydration, indicating the severity of the situation 40 . The Afghan population, already grappling with a multitude of challenges, is particularly susceptible to such health emergencies, given the widespread malnutrition resulting from prolonged drought and the economic strains infliction resulting the Taliban's takeover in August 2021 3 . The AWD cholera outbreak in Afghanistan has had a widespread impact, affecting all regions of the country.…”

Section: Most Common Infectious Diseases In Afghanistanmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…40 The Afghan population, already grappling with a multitude of challenges, is particularly susceptible to such health emergencies, given the widespread malnutrition resulting from prolonged drought and the economic strains infliction resulting the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. 3 The AWD cholera outbreak in Afghanistan has had a widespread impact, affecting all regions of the country. However, the severity and intensity of the outbreak have exhibited variations at the provincial and district levels.…”

Section: Most Common Infectious Diseases In Afghanistanmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Following decades of political instability, prolonged warfare, and various other challenges have pushed Afghanistan into a dire humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. Within a mere 4 months of the Taliban's takeover, a significant portion of the Afghan population is grappling with the harsh reality of starvation, with over 3.3 million children facing the devastating consequences of not having access to basic food resources 3 . Tragically, this dire situation is resulting in dozens of deaths among these vulnerable young ones every week.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within a mere 4 months of the Taliban's takeover, a significant portion of the Afghan population is grappling with the harsh reality of starvation, with over 3.3 million children facing the devastating consequences of not having access to basic food resources. 3 Tragically, this dire situation is resulting in dozens of deaths among these vulnerable young ones every week. The crisis exacerbates with restrictions on humanitarian aid, lack of vital food supplies, and inadequate medical care, especially for children leading to alarming rates of child malnutrition in Afghanistan.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Infectious diseases in Afghanistan: Strategies for health system improvement

Essar,

Siddiqui,

Head

2023

Health Science Reports

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Background and AimAfghanistan is grappling with a severe health crisis marked by a high prevalence of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and the added strain of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The nation's healthcare system, already fragile, faces formidable challenges. Socioeconomic constraints, including limited resources and financial barriers, hinder healthcare accessibility, leading to delayed or inadequate care. Environmental factors, such as poor sanitation and crowded living conditions, exacerbate the transmission of diseases, especially waterborne illnesses. Governance issues, encompassing transparency, corruption, and political instability, disrupt healthcare efficiency and resource allocation. Addressing these multifaceted issues is vital to enhance Afghanistan's healthcare system and overall well‐being. The withdrawal of international support has exacerbated these challenges. The primary research goal is to deeply understand Afghanistan's health system, focusing on the major disease burdens: Tuberculosis, Malaria, AIDS, COVID‐19, Measles, Hepatitis, and Cholera. The study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of current approaches, presenting a comprehensive view of challenges and opportunities within the Afghan healthcare system. The research concludes by highlighting policy implications, practical implementation, and offering recommendations for future endeavors.MethodologyThis paper provides a thorough analysis of the literature concerning infectious diseases in Afghanistan and the enhancement of the healthcare system in the nation. A systematic exploration of the literature was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search terms used encompassed “Tuberculosis” OR “TB,” “Malaria,” “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” OR “AIDS,” “Human immunodeficiency virus” OR “HIV,” “COVID‐19,” “Measles,” “Hepatitis virus,” “Cholera,” “Health system improvement,” and “Afghanistan.” Additionally, external sources like UNICEF, CDC, and WHO were referenced.ResultsIn conclusion, while improving access to vital medicines and vaccines is crucial for enhancing health outcomes in Afghanistan, significant challenges must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of such strategies. The Afghan health system's fragile governance, corruption, logistical complexities, and failure to address broader social and economic factors pose significant risks and obstacles to the implementation of proposed health strategies. Therefore, the strategies discussed in this analysis align with key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, and their successful implementation will have implications not only for the health and well‐being of Afghanistan but also for global health.ConclusionHence, by adopting a comprehensive approach with complementary interventions as discussed, we can address issues in the Afghan health system and reduce transmissible diseases’ burden, thereby building a better world for all.

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Section: Most Common Infectious Diseases In Afghanistanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Most Common Infectious Diseases In Afghanistanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Infectious diseases in Afghanistan: Strategies for health system improvement

Essar,

Siddiqui,

Head

2023

Health Science Reports

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“…The circumstances in Afghanistan are quite grim due to the war and political instability prevailing there (Prasad 2008). War-torn People of Afghanistan, especially children and mothers are facing severe malnutrition (Rahmat et al 2022). Food-borne infections would render this scenario worse.…”

Section: Food Security and Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of veterinary research in human health promotion in South Asia

Pillai,

Reji

2023

Lett. Anim. Biol.

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Veterinary science research has a leading role in promoting human health, in a One Health approach. In this review the public health challenges in the South Asian region were analyzed and the role of the veterinary sector in addressing them were highlighted. Livestock and livestock products research is integral to achieving food security and beating malnutrition. The veterinary public health domain encompassing zoonoses research, food safety, environmental health, and antimicrobial resistance research, is worthy of attention as it integrates animal and human health. Biomedical research is an exciting field that utilizes veterinary expertise to understand human diseases. Food security and safety, antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution and climate change, and insufficient funds were described as major challenges faced by South Asian countries. Impressive prospects of veterinary science research to address these challenges were highlighted. Increasing awareness, better allocation of funds and One Health approach were enumerated as some recommendations to overcome the challenges. From a One Health perspective, veterinary science research has a notable role in addressing major public health issues in South Asian countries. Increased surveillance and optimized research could promote better public health and support economic growth in the South Asian region.

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Infant and child mortality in Afghanistan: A scoping review

Qamar,

Essar,

Siddiqui

et al. 2024

Health Science Reports

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Background and AimsSince 1990, global child and infant mortality rates have typically stabilized or decreased due to improved healthcare, vaccination rollouts, and international funding. However, Afghanistan continues to face the highest child and infant mortality rates globally, with 43 deaths per 1000 live births. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to this high mortality rate and propose interventions to address the issue.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on articles published in English within the last 10 years (2013–2023). The search terms included “Child mortality,” “Infant mortality,” “SIDS,” “COVID‐19,” and “Afghanistan.” Original studies, systematic reviews, case studies, and reports meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. Additional sources from organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank Group, WHO, and EMRO were also reviewed.ResultsThe study findings reveal significant challenges contributing to Afghanistan's high infant and child mortality rates. These challenges include birth defects, preterm birth, malnutrition, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), traumatic injuries, fatal infections, infanticide, and abuse. The ongoing conflict, insecurity, and humanitarian crises further exacerbate the situation, leading to increased child casualties. Despite efforts by international agencies like UNICEF to provide vaccines and maternal education, the infant mortality rate remains high.ConclusionIn conclusion, Afghanistan's child and infant mortality rates are of significant concern, and it is imperative that action be taken to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality rates.

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Child malnutrition in Afghanistan amid a deepening humanitarian crisis

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Infectious diseases in Afghanistan: Strategies for health system improvement

Infectious diseases in Afghanistan: Strategies for health system improvement

The role of veterinary research in human health promotion in South Asia

Infant and child mortality in Afghanistan: A scoping review

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