Afghanistan and Russia sign trade and energy deals at Kazan Forum
Afghanistan and Russia signed five agreements on Friday covering transport, trade, and energy cooperation.
Afghanistan is facing a sharp increase in measles and other diseases, with over 12,500 new measles cases reported in March alone, as its strained health system struggles to respond amid declining international aid.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a sharp rise in measles cases in Afghanistan, with a 42% increase recorded in March compared to the previous month. According to the latest data, more than 12,500 new measles cases were documented, highlighting a growing public health concern. Alongside measles, other diseases such as acute diarrhea, malaria, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have also seen significant increases, with acute diarrhea cases rising by 9.4%, malaria by nearly 11%, and Crimean-Congo fever by a staggering 81%.
While these diseases are spreading at an alarming rate, there has been some relief in other areas. Respiratory illnesses, which had been a major burden, decreased by almost 19%, with fewer cases of COVID-19 and dengue fever also reported. COVID-19 infections dropped by 42%, and dengue fever cases declined by nearly 31%, suggesting some positive trends amid the broader health challenges.
Despite these fluctuations, Afghanistan’s healthcare system remains under immense strain. The WHO has stepped in to support 123 health centers across 20 provinces, as well as three major hospitals, in an effort to stabilize the situation. However, the organization has previously warned that without sufficient funding, up to 80% of its supported health facilities could close by June, leaving millions without critical medical care.
Afghan health officials have yet to respond to the latest measles surge, but concerns over the disease have been growing for months. Late last year, Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, acknowledged a worrying increase in measles cases, confirming nearly 6,000 positive cases out of 10,000 suspected infections. He emphasized plans for a nationwide vaccination campaign to curb the spread, though it remains unclear whether these efforts have been fully implemented.
The rising cases of preventable diseases like measles underscore the fragility of Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly amid economic instability and reduced international aid. Without sustained support, the country risks further outbreaks, leaving vulnerable populations, especially children, at greater risk of illness and death. The coming months will be critical in determining whether health authorities and international partners can reverse these troubling trends.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
A confirmed case of bird flu on a commercial farm in Brazil has prompted China to suspend poultry imports, while other countries introduce regional restrictions.
Japanese children continue to struggle with mental health issues, ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging countries, according to a new UNICEF report, despite notable improvements in education and strong physical health indicators.
President Donald Trump signed a new executive order aimed at aligning U.S. drug prices with those of other countries by removing private-sector middlemen from the system. While the move caused a drop in stocks, it promises significant changes for the pharmaceutical industry.
Scientists have developed an AI tool called FaceAge that analyzes selfies to estimate biological age, predict cancer survival rates, and assist in healthcare decisions. The tool has demonstrated remarkable accuracy, outperforming clinicians in some cases, and could revolutionize health diagnostics.
Researchers at United Arab Emirates University have developed an innovative non-surgical blood flow monitoring technology using piezoelectric pressure sensors, offering a more cost-effective and accurate approach for detecting vital health conditions.
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