Kabul [Afghanistan], August 29 (ANI): The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Afghanistan is facing a severe health crisis, with 22 million people in need of aid, widespread clinic closures due to funding shortages, and mass refugee returns threatening to overwhelm its fragile systems, Khaama Press reported.
According to the WHO, more than 22 million of Afghanistan’s 46 million people are in urgent need of assistance, with the country’s health system on the verge of collapse.
In its latest report released Thursday, the WHO said that while over 16 million Afghans have been targeted for life-saving aid this year, only 24 percent of the required funding has been secured. This shortfall has left millions without access to essential support.
The funding crisis has already forced the closure of more than 420 health facilities, cutting off nearly three million people from basic medical services. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, have been hit hardest.
The WHO also highlighted severe maternal and child health challenges, widespread malnutrition, and outbreaks of diseases such as measles and polio as urgent threats. Rising mental health issues are further compounding the crisis, affecting large segments of the population.
Adding to the strain, Afghanistan is bracing for large-scale migrant returns. The report noted that more than one million people are expected to return from Pakistan and up to two million from Iran in 2025. Already, over 836,000 Afghans have returned, 92 percent of them from Iran, according to Khaama Press.
The looming crisis underscores how inadequate international funding is worsening Afghanistan’s humanitarian emergency. Without urgent global support, millions could face preventable deaths from disease, hunger, and lack of medical care.
The WHO has urged the international community to step up aid contributions, warning that failure to act will deepen suffering and further destabilize the already vulnerable country, Khaama Press reported. (ANI)
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