Journal Article

Infectious diseases in Afghanistan: Strategies for health system improvement

Siddiqui, Amna, Head, Michael G., Essar, Mohammad Yasir

2023

Overview

Background and Aim Afghanistan 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. Methodology This 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. Results In 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. Conclusion Hence, 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.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Afghanistan / Environmental Health / Epidemiology / Gastroenterology/Hepatology / General Medicine / Genetics and Genomics / Global Health / Health facilities / health system improvement / Infectious Diseases / Narrative Review / NGOs / Nongovernmental organizations / Pharmacology and Pharmacy / Respiratory Medicine / Tuberculosis / Well being / Womens health