Afghanistan likely facing coronavirus 'health disaster': US watchdog

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Afghanistan, beset by a poor healthcare system, malnutrition, war and other vulnerabilities, is likely facing a “health disaster” from the coronavirus, a watchdog report to the US Congress warns.

The spread of Covid-19 already has significantly impacted Afghanistan, the report said, from complicating the peace initiative to forcing border crossing closures that have disrupted commercial and humanitarian deliveries.

Men wait to receive free food donated by the Afghan government, amid the spread of the coronavirus, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan on Tuesday. — Reuters
Men wait to receive free food donated by the Afghan government, amid the spread of the coronavirus, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan on Tuesday. — Reuters

“Afghanistan’s numerous and, in some cases, unique vulnerabilities — a weak health-care system, widespread malnutrition, porous borders, massive internal displacement, contiguity with Iran, and ongoing conflict — make it likely the country will confront a health disaster in the coming months,” the report stated.

Read the full Reuters story here.

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