International Organizations Warn of Critical Health Situation in Afghanistan on World Health Day

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- On World Health Day, international organizations including the Red Cross, IOM, WHO and UNFPA warned that Afghanistan's health system is in a critical state, strained by decades of conflict, economic challenges, natural disasters and reduced humanitarian aid.

The groups highlighted that women and children are disproportionately affected. OCHA projections indicate 14.4 million people will require humanitarian health services in 2026. WHO Representative Mukta Sharma noted limited access to treatments in remote areas.

Amu TV reported that Taliban restrictions on women's medical education and employment -- including closures of medical universities to girls in late 2022, exam bans and requirements for a male guardian to treat female patients -- have intensified the crisis and contributed to high maternal mortality rates.

Ariana News detailed International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) support for primary health clinics and hospitals, which aided 1.2 million patients in 2025, mostly women and children. UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett expressed concerns over restrictions limiting female health workers.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Islamic Emirate's Ministry of Public Health announced the establishment of more than 400 new health centers in remote areas.