OCHA: 14.4 Million Afghans to Need Health Services by 2026
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that by 2026, 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will require health services. Based on this assessment, plans are in place to provide services to only 7.2 million of this population.
In a report released on Thursday, January 29, OCHA stated that 54 percent of those in need are children, while 24 percent are women. Additionally, 10 percent of this group have disabilities, facing greater challenges in accessing health services.
According to the agency, more than $190 million in funding is essential to meet these needs; however, securing this amount amid decreasing aid has raised serious concerns. A shortage of resources could further limit vital service delivery, especially for vulnerable groups.
OCHA emphasized that Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis this year, with nearly 22 million residents dependent on humanitarian assistance. The ongoing crisis, combined with existing structural constraints under Taliban rule, has increased pressure on the health system and aid organizations.
