Infectious Diseases Up Among Returning Migrants to Afghanistan

DIDPress: The unprecedented return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan has led to a widespread outbreak of infectious diseases, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue a warning about the risks.

WHO recently reported that the unprecedented influx of Afghan migrants returning from Iran and Pakistan has caused a significant rise in infectious diseases among these returnees.

According to the report, since April 2025, more than 836,000 individuals have entered Afghanistan through border crossings at Islam Qala, Torkham, Milak, and Spin Boldak.

Infectious diseases such as acute respiratory infections, severe diarrhea, skin diseases, and suspected COVID-19 cases have been widely observed among the returnees.

WHO warned of a critical situation, emphasizing that women and children are particularly vulnerable and urgently require healthcare services, food, and shelter.

To address the crisis, WHO, in cooperation with its partners, has established mobile health clinics in border areas to meet the immediate needs of the returnees.

However, the organization has called for immediate and broader international support to prevent further deterioration of the situation.