PESHAWAR, Nov 9: Over 1,600 cases of malaria have been reported in the eastern Ningerhar and Laghman provinces of Afghanistan during the past 10 weeks, according to a survey.

The investigations, carried out by the Health Net International (HNI), revealed that malaria outbreak had attained epidemic proportions in some areas.

“Results of malaria prevalence surveys indicate that some localities in Laghman and Ningerhar provinces are facing malaria epidemics,” reveals the HNI survey report submitted to various international organizations involved in extending humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Out of 1,601 patients affected by malaria in different parts of the two provinces, 17 died and the number of complicated cases increased in the functional hospitals and clinics, said the report.

At least 11 deaths were reported from a hospital in the Mehterlam area in Laghman. They included three patients from the Laghman centre, four from Alishang, one from Alingar, one from Badiabad and two from Bisram village.

Besides, three deaths each were reported at the University Hospital and Public Health Hospital in Ningerhar.

Non-availability of anti-malaria drugs, especially for the treatment of complicated patients, has been reported as the major cause of the deaths.

Greater population movement to the provinces and the inadequate healthcare facilities, due mainly to the current crisis, have been cited as the major reasons for the high prevalence of malaria there.

The malaria bacterium stricken cases comprised 872 adults and 729  children.

The areas where high malaria prevalence has been reported include, Surkhrud, Behsood, Jalalabad, Shinwar, Chaprhar, Kama and Khugyani. Kachoora and Abozaie villages have also been reported to have a large number of malaria patients.

“Malaria prevalence among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) is as high as among the resident population. The IDPs have mainly come from endemic areas and have brought a certain disease load with them. However, the area in which they are seeking shelter is also endemic. The fact that the living conditions of the IDPs are mostly poor puts them at a higher risk of contacting the disease,” the report said.

In an effort to control the epidemic taking toll in other areas, the HNI teams are conducting large scale malario-metric surveys in different localities in the provinces. Anti-malarial drugs, provided by the World Health Organization and the HNI, are being supplied to the affected areas.