The United Nations has announced that in 2025, over 420 health centers in Afghanistan have been shut down due to a lack of funding. This has left more than three million people without access to essential healthcare services.
Kabul 24: Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated: “The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs emphasizes that the funding shortfall has had devastating consequences for millions, leaving people without healthcare, families without food, and children deprived of education.”This crisis unfolds as citizens across various Afghan provinces demand more health centers and improved medical services.
Dr. Syed Abdullah Ahmadi highlighted the historical reliance of Afghanistan’s healthcare system on foreign aid, noting: “Both during the republic era and in the past four years, the healthcare system has depended on international assistance.
The Ministry of Public Health has failed to devise an effective strategy for delivering healthcare services based on Afghanistan’s domestic economy.”Although the Ministry of Public Health has not recently commented on these closures, Minister Noor Jalal Jalali emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in the health sector on Tuesday.
He stated: “If aid is cut off tomorrow, we must have a plan to stand on our own and break free from this dependency.” These remarks come despite last year’s announcement by the ministry about constructing 318 hospitals across the provinces, a plan now seemingly stalled by financial challenges.
The closure of health centers has not only restricted access to basic care but also placed immense pressure on existing medical infrastructure.
The situation is particularly dire in remote areas already grappling with limited facilities.
Experts warn that without urgent funding and sustainable planning, Afghanistan’s healthcare system risks total collapse. A long-term strategy to reduce reliance on foreign aid and strengthen domestic infrastructure is urgently needed.
