KABUL (SW) – Afghanistan is likely facing a "health disaster" from the coronavirus, a watchdog report to the United States Congress has warned.
The report, released by Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John Sopko late on Thursday, could heighten concerns among US officials and legislators that the pandemic threatens to derail stalled US-led peace efforts.
The spread of COVID-19 has already significantly affected Afghanistan, the report said, from complicating the peace initiative to forcing border crossing closures that have disrupted commercial and humanitarian deliveries.
"Afghanistan's numerous and, in some cases, unique vulnerabilities – a weak healthcare system, widespread malnutrition, porous borders, massive internal displacement, contiguity with Iran, and ongoing conflict – make it likely the country will confront a health disaster in the coming months," the report said.
According to the Al Jazeera's report, rising food prices in the impoverished country will likely worsen the crisis, Sopko said in a letter accompanying the report.
As the pandemic has spread, Washington has pressed the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to free thousands of at-risk rebels and government prisoners as a precursor to peace talks originally set to begin on March 10.
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