Afghanistan is experiencing a significant rise in skin diseases and other health issues since the Taliban took control in 2021. The Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Regional Hospital recently reported a 50% increase in dermatological cases compared to the previous year.
Dr. Ali Asghar Malek, head of the hospital's dermatology department, stated, "I treated 25,000 skin patients in 2023, but in just the first four months of 2024, 16,000 skin patients visited this hospital, of whom approximately 1,000 underwent surgery."
Health officials attribute the surge to poor hygiene practices, inadequate health policies under Taliban rule, and self-medication. The country is also grappling with various epidemic diseases, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross, a measles outbreak has affected thousands in Afghanistan, resulting in dozens of fatalities. While much of the world has controlled measles, Afghanistan has seen a severe increase in cases due to a lack of facilities.
The current health crisis is part of a broader humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan, which includes widespread hunger, poverty, and various mental and physical illnesses. The Taliban government has failed to provide basic health services to the public, contributing to the deteriorating situation.
