This was stated by Edwin Chéniza Salvador, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) mission in Afghanistan, reports Kazinform.
According to WHO, 167 hospitals and clinics were closed on March 4, leaving 1.6 million people in 25 provinces without medical care. If the situation does not improve, another 220 healthcare facilities could shut down by June.
The most critical situation is observed in northern, western, and northeastern regions, where more than one-third of all medical centers are now out of service.
— These closures are not just numbers. They represent mothers who cannot safely give birth, unvaccinated children, and entire communities vulnerable to deadly diseases. The consequences will be measured in lost lives, — Salvador emphasized.
Afghanistan’s healthcare system was already struggling before funding cuts. In January and February 2025, the country reported over 16,000 suspected measles cases, resulting in 111 deaths. However, only 51% of children received the first dose of the measles vaccine, and just 37% received the second dose.
The crisis stems from reductions in international aid and the reallocation of financial resources. While some charitable organizations continue to provide support, it is insufficient to sustain Afghanistan’s healthcare system.
Earlier, reports indicated that the Taliban banned women from broadcasting on the radio.
