On March 18, the United Nations warned of a severe collapse crisis in Afghanistan's healthcare system and appealed for urgent support. Due to funding shortages, more than 220 medical facilities are at risk of closure by June, which means 1.8 million Afghan citizens may be deprived of even basic medical services.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of March 4, 167 medical facilities have already closed, leaving 1.6 million people across 25 Afghan provinces without life-threatening medical services. In particular, more than one-third of medical facilities have closed in the northern, western, and northwestern regions, indicating an imminent humanitarian crisis.
"Closures are not just numbers, they are a matter of life and death"
Edwin Seneza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, expressed his regret, saying, "The consequences of closures will be measured in the loss of lives." He warned that while some donors continue to support WHO Afghanistan, funding has significantly decreased, and current funds are insufficient to maintain critical medical services for millions of Afghan citizens.
Salvador emphasized, "We are facing a humanitarian emergency that risks reversing years of progress in strengthening the Afghan health system. Closures are not just numbers in a report, they mean mothers unable to give birth safely, children without life-saving vaccines, and entire communities unprotected from deadly disease outbreaks."
Spread of infectious diseases such as measles, threatening children's survival
Afghanistan is already facing several health emergencies. In the first two months of 2025, more than 16,000 suspected cases of measles were reported, including 111 deaths. Afghanistan's vaccination rate is critically low. The first dose vaccination rate for measles is only 51%, and the second dose vaccination rate is only 37%, further increasing the risk of children contracting or dying from the disease.
Restrictions on female healthcare workers by the Taliban regime: The Taliban regime has restricted the activities of female healthcare workers, further exacerbating medical access, especially for female patients.
Economic crisis and famine: Afghanistan faces a severe economic crisis and famine, further deteriorating the health of its citizens.
Decreased support from the international community: The decline in support from the international community for Afghanistan is further deepening the healthcare system collapse crisis.
The collapse of Afghanistan's healthcare system could lead to a humanitarian disaster beyond a simple health crisis. The continuous interest and support of the international community are desperately needed.
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