WHO Warns Taliban Restrictions Have Pushed Afghanistan’s Health System to Crisis

The World Health Organization has warned that Afghanistan’s health system is facing severe challenges due to a shortage of female health workers, reduced international aid, and Taliban-imposed restrictions on the education of women and girls. These challenges have endangered access to healthcare services for millions. Edwin Seniza Salvador, the WHO representative in Afghanistan, said on Tuesday, August 4, at the unveiling of the Taliban health sector’s five-year strategy, that improving the quality and accessibility of medical services cannot be achieved merely by building hospitals and health centers. He emphasized that strengthening the health system requires investment in education, nutrition, clean drinking water, and social support—areas that directly affect the health status of the population. The WHO representative also stated that executing this strategy will not be possible without close cooperation among health institutions, local communities, international donors, and the provision of sustainable financial resources. Previously, WHO had announced that due to reduced international aid, more than 400 health centers in Afghanistan are projected to close by 2025, a move that has severely disrupted healthcare delivery in several provinces and districts.