Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised concerns over the growing number of malnutrition cases among children in southern Afghanistan, warning that the situation is increasing the risk of tuberculosis (TB) among children, many of whom require urgent medical care.
In a report, the organization said malnutrition is a major risk factor for contracting TB and for the progression of the disease into active tuberculosis, particularly among children.
It added that active TB can further worsen malnutrition by causing weight loss and increasing the body’s energy needs.
The report highlighted the case of a mother named Noria, whose eight-month-old daughter was admitted to MSF’s inpatient malnutrition treatment center in Kandahar after suffering from fever and persistent coughing for three months. Following medical examinations and X-rays, doctors diagnosed the child with tuberculosis.
MSF said Afghanistan continues to face widespread challenges from tuberculosis and child malnutrition.
However, diagnosing TB among malnourished children remains difficult, while public awareness about the connection between the two conditions is limited. The organization said this often leads families to delay seeking medical treatment.
MSF noted that in Kandahar province, it runs a 45-bed inpatient malnutrition treatment center as well as an outpatient facility providing care for children under five years of age.
The organization urged families to seek medical assistance as early as possible if children show signs of malnutrition or experience prolonged coughing and fever.
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