June 7, 2022
1 min read

WHO: Afghanistan to receive monkeypox test kits

The Afghan health sector currently lacks kits to test for monkeypox…reports Asian Lite News

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) will provide monkeypox test kits to the the war-torn nation as the virus has been confirmed in 27 countries with nearly 800 cases.

According to officials from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the Afghan health sector currently lacks kits to test for monkeypox, reports TOLO News.

“PCR machines were handed over to the MoPH during the outbreak of Covid-19 in Afghanistan. These machines cannot be used to test for monkeypox,” said Javid Hazhir, a Ministry spokesman.

So far, Afghanistan has not reported any monkeypox cases.

In its latest report on Sunday, the WHO said the 780 laboratory confirmed cases of monkeypox from 27 countries represented an increase of 523 cases (+203 per cent) since May 29, when a total of 257 cases were reported.

ALSO READ:Britain confirms local transmission of monkeypox virus

However, there have been no deaths associated with the current monkeypox outbreak.

Monkeypox is a sylvatic zoonosis that may cause infections in humans and the disease usually occurs in forested parts of Central and West Africa.

It is caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family, according to the WHO.

Previous Story

Lenskart joins fashion world in collaboration with JJ Valaya

Next Story

Life-saving drugs, medical equipment from India reach Jaffna hospital

Latest from Afghanistan

India Commits to Afghan Growth

As a special gesture, India gifted 20 ambulances to the Afghan people with a symbolic handover being done by the EAM…reports Asian Lite News India on Friday announced plans to expand its

Border Strikes Stoke Afghanistan-Pakistan Rift

The explosions, reportedly originating from District 8 in eastern Kabul, a zone home to key government facilities and residential areas, triggered widespread panic. …reports Asian Lite News Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan

India edges closer to recognising Taliban

New Delhi hosts Taliban foreign minister in cautious step towards pragmatic engagement…reports Asian Lite News Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday in what is being

Peace in Afghanistan Vital, Says India

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a

Afghanistan Offline: 72 Hours of Chaos

Afghanistan restores internet after three-day blackout; humanitarian aid, trade, and banking resume slowly, while UN warns repeated disruptions threaten recovery and livelihoods for millions of citizens. Internet and telecom services were partially
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Not passive bystanders’: UN stresses on need to empower Afghan women

The UN rights chief stated how Afghan women have been

China fails to provide promised aid to Afghanistan

That apart, China is typically risk averse and with its