Afghanistan Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Medical care was very limited before the 2001 conflict but now medicines are in even shorter supply and many hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Doctors and hospitals demand immediate cash payment for most services. Medical insurance, covering emergency evacuation, is essential. International aid groups operate in some cities and villages.

Food and Drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes advised. Hepatitis E is present. Typhus occurs and trachoma is common. Giardiasis and other waterborne diseases are common. Diarrhoeal disease and other gastrointestinal infections are common causes of ill health, especially in hotter months. Outbreaks of meningococcal disease have been reported. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.