Descriptive Epidemiology of Measles in the Southern Region of Afghanistan, 2024–2025: A Secondary Analysis from Regional Case-Based Surveillance Data

Objectives After three-fold increase in measles outbreaks in Afghanistan during 2024, this study aimed to assess descriptive epidemiology of measles in southern region. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study on case-based measles surveillance data, retrieved from District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) for period of January 1,2024 to December 31,2025. Demographic, clinical, and immunization status were summarized descriptively and surveillance system performance was assessed using WHO indicators. Results Of 4,379 suspected measles cases, 3,346 (76.4%) were laboratory-confirmed and 52.7% of males. Median age was 24 months (IQR 12–60) and four-fifth were under five-years children. 66.5% of cases were from Kandahar, and overall 80.9% of all and 80.2% of confirmed cases didn’t have MCV record. Helmand had highest proportion of unvaccinated cases 97.7%. Overall discarded rate was 10.55 per 100,000 population; adequate time for investigation, specimen adequacy, laboratory receipt of specimen, and communicating results with public health authorities were 98.3%, 99.1%, 77.7%, and 82.8% respectively. Conclusion Measles transmission in southern Afghanistan during 2024–2025 was predominantly recorded along with a large unvaccinated population for MCV concentrated in children under five years, with highlighted provincial disparities in immunization and surveillance timeliness. Geographically differentiated responses prioritizing outreach vaccination and specimen transport strengthening in the lowest-performing provinces are urgently required.