Asia and Oceania

Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. You should ensure that you have all the prescription medication you require during your visit, as supplies are unlikely to be available locally.

 

Diarrhoeal diseases and other gastrointestinal infections are common causes of ill health, becoming worse in the hotter months.  The dry dusty conditions in both summer and winter can cause irritation to eyes, throat, nose and skin. Respiratory tuberculosis is common in the Afghan population.

 

Malaria is a potential hazard except in the high mountainous regions of the country and in winter.

 

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Afghanistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information see our travel health page.
 

Avian Influenza

 

Since March 13, 2007 the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed reports of 11 outbreaks of HN51 Avian Influenza (bird flu) across three provinces of Afghanistan (Nangahar, Kabul, and Kunar).  The authorities are taking measures to control the disease, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas.  No human infections have been reported.

The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds.  You should also ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

For more information on Avian Flu and other diseases please follow see the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation for Animal Health.