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Afghanistan: Situation Report COVID-19 (1-20 February 2020)

Countries
Afghanistan
+ 1 more
Sources
WHO
Publication date

Situation Overview:

Afghanistan is bordering China in the northeast part of the country with limited ground crossing movement of passengers. Afghans are frequently travelling to different parts of China for both trade and education purposes. Around 2000 students are currently studying in different universities of China among them around 50 are in Wuhan City; the epi center of COVID-19.

The ministry of public health along with the World Health Organization- Afghanistan Country Office and other stakeholders are working together for proper preparedness, early detection of the suspected cases and response to the COVID-19 infection.

As of today February 20, 2020, no case has been detected by the surveillance system.

Major steps taken so far:

  1. The Emergency Committee activated and chaired by H.E the minister of public health.

  2. National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19 developed and implementation is in progress

  3. Five technical committees established as following:

a. Coordination and Preparedness

b. Surveillance, early detection and Lab

c. Case Management and health service delivery

d. Risk Communication and Community Engagement.

e. Operation and Logistics

Mitigation Measures and Progress:

Leadership and Coordination

  1. The country emergency committee activated and convenes regular meetings

  2. Technical Sub-committees established for specific tasks

  3. High level advocacy meeting held with donors/partners chaired by H.E the minister of public health

  4. Coordination enhanced with the civil aviation authorities, other line ministries, Embassy of China and ground crossing authorities