On August 31, 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, causing devastation in Kunar, Laghman, Nuristan, and Nangarhar provinces, and was felt as far away as Kabul. An estimated 498,000 people have been a ected, with at least 2,205 deaths, 3,640 people injured, 6,782 houses destroyed, and 21 health facilities damaged. Entire villages with mud-built houses collapsed, leaving families without shelter, safe water, or basic services. 

The disaster struck an already fragile health system weakened by years of conflict, underfunding, and sta shortages. Health facilities in the a ected provinces are overwhelmed, with limited trauma care, referral systems, and surgical capacity. Outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, dengue fever, malaria, measles, and CCHF are ongoing, while the upcoming winter season is expected to increase cases of respiratory infections.