Afghanistan Health

Health

Degree of risk: high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne disease: malaria is a high risk countrywide below 2,000 meters from March through November animal contact disease: rabies (2004) Afghanistan is one of the least healthy countries on the planet. Respiratory diseases and food related illness are common. Malaria is a risk in many parts of the country. TB is also common. Dust is a serious problem in most parts of the country, including the major cities. Pollution from diesel engines and heaters can also make life unpleasant. Afghanistan in infested with flies because of the poor sanitation and piles of rubbish everywhere. Winter brings some relief, but as soon as warm weather returns in April, so do the flies. Locally grown food does not meet western standards. Locals eat from a common bowl where hands are the only utensil. There is no sewer system in most of the country and squat toilets are the norm. Drink only bottled water and carry antibacterial wipes or lotion.

[ World Health Orginisation ]

[ Hospital of Tropical Diseases ]