In Afghanistan, MSF has seen high numbers of measles patients in its projects in Helmand and Herat since the start of the year. Across both projects in February there were 1,400 measles cases, half developed a complication that required admission to hospital. These complications can be life threatening, especially for children. Measles and malnutrition are a lethal combination. Measles can lead to malnutrition, and children with malnutrition can easily contract measles. The high numbers of measles cases, low vaccination coverage and the dire nutritional situation in Afghanistan is alarming. In February, MSF saw 645 measles patients in Boost hospital, with 218 admitted to hospital with complications. In the same month in Herat, MSF saw 793 measles cases in its project, 458 of whom had complications requiring admission to hospital.