KABUL — Doctors at the Child Health Hospital in Kabul have reported a significant increase in diarrhea cases among children, correlating with the unprecedented rise in temperatures this summer.
According to medical staff, the hospital has been receiving up to 90 children daily suffering from heat-related illnesses and diarrhea. The spike in cases has been attributed to the soaring heat, consumption of spoiled food, and limited access to clean drinking water.
“The summer season, which brings higher temperatures, fosters the spread of viruses and bacteria, particularly in densely populated areas like Kabul,” a pediatric specialist said. “Families often neglect essential hygiene practices and struggle to secure clean water, exacerbating the situation.”
Residents of Kabul have also voiced concerns about the impact of the extreme heat on their children’s health. Many have been forced to seek hospital care due to heat-induced illnesses.
“It is very hot. My children get sick very often; the weather in Kabul has become unbearable,” one resident said.
Compounding the health crisis are frequent power outages, which have left many without adequate cooling during the intense heat. Some residents reported temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
“The lack of electricity makes it difficult to keep food from spoiling and to provide safe drinking water, leading to widespread diarrhea and other illnesses,” another resident explained.
In February, Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted that Afghanistan’s public health system is under severe strain due to reduced foreign aid and the Taliban’s restrictive policies against women and girls, further jeopardizing the health rights of millions.
The escalating health issues in Kabul underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure, reliable electricity, and access to clean water to protect the city’s vulnerable populations from the effects of rising temperatures.
