WHO warns of rising infectious diseases among deported Afghan migrants, citing poor sanitary conditions and urgent need for expanded medical support.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the growing spread of infectious diseases and poor sanitary conditions among Afghan migrants deported from neighboring countries. WHO reports a surge in respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin conditions like scabies, and suspected COVID-19 cases among returnees.

On-the-ground assessments at key border points—particularly Islam Qala in Herat Province—show that upper respiratory infections are the most common ailments, followed closely by diarrhea and dehydration, especially among children and the elderly. Suspected cases of scabies and COVID-19 have also been reported.

In response, WHO has launched emergency health screenings and mass vaccination campaigns in collaboration with local health authorities at Islam Qala and Spin Boldak border crossings. These initiatives aim to prevent further outbreaks and provide critical care to vulnerable populations.

In total, nearly 29,000 people have been screened or vaccinated at major border points including Spin Boldak, Torkham, and Islam Qala. WHO mobile health teams are stationed at reception centers and zero-point borders, conducting daily health checks on hundreds of returnees.

In just a short monitoring period, WHO identified more than 840 individuals showing symptoms of infectious disease, all of whom received immediate medical care. The organization emphasized the urgency of increasing medical resources and staff capacity to deal with rising health risks.

As the number of deported Afghan migrants continues to grow, WHO stresses that expanded funding and coordinated efforts are urgently needed to prevent large-scale disease outbreaks and provide adequate care for returnees in crisis.