WHO Investigates Pakistan Airstrike on Afghan Addiction Treatment Center Amid Rising Tensions

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the agency is currently reviewing and verifying reports of a Pakistani military airstrike on an addiction treatment center in Afghanistan. These remarks come amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent weeks.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the intensification of the conflict is placing additional pressure on Afghanistan’s healthcare system, seriously endangering the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. According to him, the continuation of such conditions could further hinder patients’ access to medical services.

According to WHO data, since late February, at least six health centers in Afghanistan have been damaged or affected due to rising tensions between the two countries. These facilities have been targeted while Afghanistan’s healthcare system was already facing shortages of equipment and resources.

The WHO Director-General urged both parties to prioritize de-escalation and emphasized that “peace and health” must be at the center of decision-making. He added: “Peace is the best medicine.”