WHO Urges Greater Investment in Afghanistan’s Healthcare System
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased investment in Afghanistan’s healthcare services, emphasizing the need to strengthen primary health care systems and provide financial support for families. In a statement from Kabul to mark Universal Health Coverage Day, Dr. Edwin Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, asserted that universal health coverage is a fundamental right, and no one should be denied healthcare or driven into poverty due to treatment costs.
According to WHO, growing needs and shrinking financial resources across various regions of Afghanistan have made access to healthcare increasingly difficult. The organization warned that unaffordable medical expenses have severe human and economic consequences, often forcing families to choose between healthcare, education, or food.
The statement highlighted that despite political pledges to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, more than half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services. WHO estimates that one in four people faces financial hardship when paying for healthcare out-of-pocket.
The international organization stressed that “Health for All” is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development goals and that healthier societies are better equipped to handle social and economic crises. WHO also urged governments, including the Taliban administration, to take immediate and practical steps to support vulnerable populations, particularly those with low incomes or chronic illnesses.
Health experts note that since the Taliban took power, Afghanistan’s public health sector has faced severe challenges, including budget shortages and reduced access to medical care for women. They emphasize that without international support and the reconstruction of healthcare infrastructure, achieving universal health coverage in Afghanistan will be difficult.
