The organization has voiced concern over a surge in COVID-19 cases, warning the situation could get out of control without immediate international support.
“Afghanistan’s Covid-19 case numbers have been steadily increasing and these latest figures are of grave concern. It’s clear that the country has been hit by the third wave of Covid-19 and without urgent international support to contain this surge, the situation could quickly spiral out of control, with existing shortages of life-saving supplies posing serious challenges,” said Zaman Sultani, South Asia Researcher at Amnesty International.
It called on the Afghan government to address the shortage of oxygen, vaccines and other medical gear with assistance from the international community.
“The Afghan Government must immediately address oxygen shortages and procure adequate Covid-19 vaccines and other essential medical supplies with support from the international community,” said Amnesty International.
It also has blamed the government for inadequate emergency preparations, adding the country would not be able to cope with surge seen in other regional countries.
It has also expressed concern over the shortages of COVID-19 vaccines.
“Given the current global shortage of vaccines and COVAX’s inability to deliver to other countries according to schedule, there are major concerns around if and how quickly any more doses will arrive in Afghanistan,” it said.
As of May 29, at least 609,440 people had been vaccinated in Afghanistan out of which 480,709 had received their first jab and 128,731 had received both doses.
“The Afghan authorities, with support from the international community and the COVAX program, must work to procure the required vaccines either through existing funding and support mechanisms or through the government budget,” said Mr. Sultani.
It comes as Afghanistan on Friday reported 1,024 cases of COVID-19, bringing the nationwide toll to 88,740.
Follow TKG on Twitter & Facebook
