June 7, 2022
1 min read

WHO to distribute monkeypox test kits in Afghanistan

According to officials from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), 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.

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.

ALSO READ: Baradar pledges security to businesses in Afghanistan

Previous Story

Vikram: A complete royal masterpiece from Lokesh 

Next Story

Insights on watermelons

Latest from -Top News

BRICS must break the digital chains

BRICS nations need to build consensus, balance innovation and social justice by reinforcing the digital sovereignty of Global South, including evenly distribution of benefits through AI, writes Baidya Bikash Basu BRICS, the

Modi begins landmark Argentina visit

First Indian PM to visit in 57 years; economic ties, lithium and trade top agenda Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a historic visit to Argentina on Saturday by paying homage to

Texas flash floods kill at least 24; Trump vows help

President calls tragedy ‘shocking’ as search for missing continues overnight At least 24 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after catastrophic flooding swept through the region, prompting a large-scale rescue and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Turkey, Qatar team up for Afghan airports

The Afghan Ministry of Transport and Aviation said the Taliban

Intel warns Kabul could fall in 6 months after troops pull-out

However, officials in other western countries fear the capital could