A multidisciplinary team from WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO) has concluded a mission to Afghanistan to review the ongoing response to COVID-19, identify gaps and potential risks, and provide recommendations for strengthening response and control measures. Since the start of the pandemic in Afghanistan, WHO has supported the Ministry of Public Health by establishing laboratories, training technical staff, and providing essential equipment and supplies to expand testing across the country. WHO’s support has been focused on nine pillars, guided by the COVID-19 ONE UN Health Response Plan. More than 2000 health care workers have been trained on case management and intensive care and more than 1300 have received training on IPC through WHO’s support. Technical support in the development of national IPC guidelines is also ongoing.
Afghanistan’s disease early warning system and its existing polio programme’s extensive surveillance network significantly aided the country’s response to COVID-19. However, the mission team’s review of Afghanistan’s response suggests community-based and event-based surveillance requires strengthening, and the capacity of rapid response teams remains limited. The COVID-19 national laboratory network can be further strengthened by assessing laboratory capacities using WHO’s COVID-19 Laboratory Assessment Tool. With the return of more than 550 000 Afghans from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, greater effort needs to be placed on increasing cross-border collaboration between Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries to manage COVID-19. A strategic vision for risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) has been developed for inclusion in the existing national action plan.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Visit the WHO/EMRO webpage to learn more about Afghanistan’s progress in response to COVID-19