Tajikistan has recorded a significant increase in infectious disease cases in the first eight months of this year, with nearly 19,500 infections registered nationwide — a 22.2% rise compared to the same period in 2024. The data, released by the Agency on Statistics under the President of Tajikistan, prompted concerns but health officials say the uptick is not as alarming as it may seem.
According to the Ministry of Health, a large portion of the cases are attributed to acute intestinal infections (45.2%) and viral hepatitis (11.1%).
However, Deputy Head of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Department at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population, Navrouz Jafarov, clarified that the higher numbers are largely the result of better diagnostic capabilities and increased reporting by the population.
Seasonal and zoonotic diseases on the rise
Measles was also among the reported infections. In response, the Ministry of Health launched a supplemental immunization campaign against measles and rubella from August 25 to September 6. The campaign targeted children aged 6 months to 5 years, covering not only Dushanbe but also cities and districts across the country — including Vahdat, Hisor, Roudaki and Varzob, which are subordinate to the center, Qubodiyon, Danghara, Shahritous, Kushoniyon, Vose, Vakhsh, and Farkhor districts in Khatlon province, as well as Panjakent and Isfara in Sughd province.
"Most of the measles cases likely involve children who missed previous vaccination campaigns or were ill during them," said Jafarov, noting that a nationwide immunization campaign had been conducted in 2022.
Additionally, winter and early spring saw cases of intestinal infections and viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis A. “Those infected during the summer may spread the virus to others — such as children in schools and kindergartens — especially those without immunity. This trend typically continues until early October,” Jafarov explained. “We expect a resurgence of Hepatitis A around mid-November.”
There has also been a noticeable increase in zoonotic diseases, such as anthrax, which are transmitted from animals to humans.
As of July 1, 41 cases of anthrax had been confirmed, primarily during the summer. The only regions unaffected were the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and the Rasht zone (except for Roghun). Importantly, no deaths related to anthrax have been recorded in the country over the past two years.
Respiratory infections dominate case numbers
Of all reported illnesses, acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) represented the highest share, exceeding last year’s figures. As a preventive measure, the government is carrying out health awareness campaigns among the population. In schools, teachers are engaging children in hygiene lessons, and public media regularly publishes content on disease prevention and vaccination efforts, Jafarov noted.
