Over 14 Million Afghans Lack Access to Basic Healthcare, WHO Warns
More than 14 million Afghans are without access to basic health services, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced. The shortage has been attributed to decreased funding, the closure of healthcare facilities, and the reduction of female healthcare workers.
The WHO reported that with an additional €1 million in funding from the European Union, the EU’s total health-sector support in Afghanistan has reached €7 million since May 2025.
This new funding aims to strengthen emergency health responses, particularly in areas with limited access to life-saving care. This includes returnees from neighboring countries and residents of remote regions.
According to Afghanistan’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, approximately 14.3 million people across the country are facing major challenges in accessing primary healthcare.
Amid complex humanitarian crises — including natural disasters, displacement, and disease outbreaks — the EU’s support has focused on bolstering primary health services, emergency care, nutrition, mental health, and preparedness for infectious diseases.
The WHO noted that EU funding has helped operationalize 41 primary health centers, four maternity hospitals, two emergency units at the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings, malnutrition treatment centers, and midwifery training programs in rural areas. These efforts aim to bridge the gap caused by the shortage of female healthcare workers.
Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, said the new assistance “ensures that no one is left behind, even in the most remote areas,” emphasizing that access to health is “a right, not a privilege.”
The representative of the EU’s humanitarian aid office in Afghanistan reaffirmed the Union’s ongoing commitment to the Afghan people. They stressed the importance of this cooperation in delivering life-saving services, especially during crises.
Access to health services has further deteriorated since the Taliban’s return to power. The Taliban government has imposed severe restrictions on female workers, particularly in the health sector, making it increasingly difficult for women and children to receive basic care.
The WHO expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to working with other humanitarian organizations to provide inclusive and responsible healthcare services.
