South Asia

Afghanistan

The country faces daunting challenges - recovering from over two decades of civil strife, dealing with years of severe drought, and rebuilding a shattered infrastructure.

Crime: A large portion of the Afghan population is unemployed and displaced from their traditional places of residence, and the food situation is of critical concern throughout Afghanistan. Basic services are rudimentary or not existent. These factors may directly contribute to crime and lawlessness.

Medical facilities: Medical facilities are few and far between throughout Afghanistan. European and American medicines are generally unavailable, and there is a shortage of basic medical supplies. Basic medicines manufactured in Iran, Pakistan and India are available. Travellers will not be able to find Western-trained medical personnel in most parts of the country. An emergency hospital in Kabul with some Italian staff can provide limited services.

Arthropod borne diseases:

• Malaria
• Leishamaniasis
• Relapsing fever

Water- or foodborne diseases:

• Typhoid fever
• Cholora
• E.coli infection
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis E
• Giardiasis
• Brucellosis
• Amoebiasis

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Trachoma

Vaccination recommendation:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Japanese encephalitis - if you plan to stay in a remote area for more than four weeks
• Yellow fever - entering from an endemic region
• Typhoid fever - if staying in remote areas
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wildor domestic animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy by:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Drink only water from cans or boiled water
• Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water
• Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
• Avoid eating uncooked foods - Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
• Avoid swimming in fresh water
• Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injuries so be careful
• Avoid travelling at night and use safety belts when available
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
• Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases
• Recommended malaria prophylactic below 2000 m above sea level from June to November: Chloroquine and Proguanil (Chloroquine resistance)

To top Back to list of countries • Home

Updated 17-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.