WHO Warns of Health Crisis in Afghanistan Due to Budget Cuts and Taliban Restrictions

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its annual report on Afghanistan, highlighting severe challenges in the health sector due to budget cuts and Taliban-imposed restrictions. The report warns that only 45.3% of the required budget was received, leading to the closure of health centers. Taliban restrictions on women's activities and mobility have disrupted health services, disease monitoring, and outbreak responses. The shortage of doctors and female staff, particularly in remote areas, has further weakened healthcare access for women and children. The WHO also notes that funding shortages have affected acute severe malnutrition treatment centers and programs responding to gender-based violence. Additionally, polio eradication efforts have been hindered by the authorities' ban on house-to-house vaccination, high population mobility, and lack of resources. These challenges come at a critical time when the WHO is also responding to earthquakes, returnees, disease outbreaks, and increased malnutrition.