Malaria Situation in Khas Kunar, Afghanistan: An Analysis of Recorded Data 2016-2023

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Roohullah Arifzai
Mohammad Safi Ikhtiyar
Intizar Siddiqi

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with approximately 350 million people worldwide at risk of infection. Afghanistan is among the countries with a high prevalence of malaria. This descriptive study analyzed malaria data collected from Khas Kunar District over an eight-year period (2016–2023). Primary data were obtained from hospital records through active and passive surveillance systems. Demographic information and Plasmodium species identification were recorded. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and graphs. A total of 4,177 confirmed malaria cases were recorded, including 2,037 males and 2,140 females. Approximately 20% of cases occurred in children under five years of age, while 80% were in individuals above five years. The majority of infections were caused by Plasmodium vivax, while only 20 cases were attributed to Plasmodium falciparum. Seasonal trends showed peak transmission during warmer months (June-September). Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Khas Kunar District, with clear seasonal patterns and dominance of P. vivax. The declining trend in cases suggests improvements in control measures, but continued surveillance and targeted interventions remain essential.

Keywords

Malaria, Plasmodium, Anopheles, Khas, Kunar

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Author Biographies

Roohullah Arifzai, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University

Department of Biology, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University, Kunar City, Kunar, Afghanistan.

Mohammad Safi Ikhtiyar, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University

Department of Biology, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University, Kunar City, Kunar, Afghanistan.

Intizar Siddiqi, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University

Department of Chemistry, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University, Kunar City, Kunar, Afghanistan.

How to Cite
Arifzai, R., Ikhtiyar, M. S., & Siddiqi, I. (2026). Malaria Situation in Khas Kunar, Afghanistan: An Analysis of Recorded Data 2016-2023. Nangarhar University International Journal of Biosciences, 5(01), 25–29. https://doi.org/10.70436/nuijb.v5i01.428

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