15 March 2026, Kabul, Afghanistan – At the Zero Point of Milak Border Crossing in Nimroz Province, southwestern Afghanistan, 30-year-old social mobilizer Ferishta Zahedi stands before groups of women and returning families, speaking in a calm and friendly voice. “I am here because your health and your family’s health matter. I want to share simple but important information that can help you protect your children and loved ones from infectious diseases.” A trained social mobilizer providing awareness information. Photo credit: WHO Afghanistan For many of the women she meets, it is the first time that someone has taken the time to explain serious diseases such as acute respiratory infections, acute watery diarrhoea and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in ways they understand. Returnee populations often face heightened health risks due to overcrowding, limited access to services and low awareness of disease prevention. Recognizing these vulnerabilities, the World Health Organization (WHO)...