Doctors Without Borders Warns of Health Access Crisis for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that many Afghan refugees in Pakistan delay or completely avoid seeking medical care due to fear of arrest, a situation that has led to serious health consequences.
The organization stated in a report on Tuesday, July 28, that the implementation of the “Illegal Foreigners Return Policy” (IFRP) has limited Afghan refugees’ access to healthcare services, resulting in increased child malnutrition, pregnancy-related complications, and preventable diseases.
According to the report, Afghan refugees live under constant fear of detention, loss of income, and forced deportation in Pakistan, conditions that the organization says discourage them from visiting medical centers.
Doctors Without Borders has called on Pakistan and other host countries to halt the forced return of Afghan nationals and to provide clear exemptions and safe access to essential services for those requiring international protection.
