Key Impact Points:
- Over 200 World Health Organization (WHO) health facilities closed in Afghanistan, affecting 1.84 million people.
- Sharp rise expected in disease outbreaks like measles, malaria, polio, and malnutrition due to funding cuts.
- Restrictions by the Taliban further exacerbate health access, especially for women and rural communities.
Immediate Fallout from Funding Freeze
More than 200 health facilities run by the World Health Organization in Afghanistan have been forced to close or halt operations following severe funding cuts implemented under former President Donald Trump’s administration. This has abruptly terminated vital medical services such as vaccinations, maternal care, and pediatric healthcare for approximately 1.84 million Afghans.
On his first day in office in January, President Trump announced an immediate freeze on all U.S. foreign assistance, suspending more than $40 billion (£32 billion) designated for international aid through USAID. The decision eventually resulted in the cancellation of over 80% of USAID-funded programs.
Escalating Health Crisis
The impact in Afghanistan has been profound, with clinics shut down across 28 out of 34 provinces. The WHO warns that these closures have triggered an “escalating humanitarian crisis,” aggravating already severe poverty and widespread disease outbreaks.
Ajyal Sultany, head of communications at WHO in Afghanistan, highlighted the consequences, stating:
“The closure of health facilities is compounding these crises, with displaced and marginalised communities facing heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and inadequate medical care.”
Critical Shortages and Looming Closures
Northern, western, and northeastern regions of Afghanistan have seen the worst impact, with over one-third of their health facilities now closed. According to WHO projections, another 220 clinics are expected to shut by June due to continued funding shortages.
In many remote areas, these clinics provided the only access to healthcare, further isolating communities. The Taliban’s restrictions preventing women from traveling without a male relative have only intensified the crisis, particularly affecting maternal health services.
Wider Humanitarian Consequences
Other humanitarian agencies, like Save the Children, have similarly experienced severe impacts due to USAID cuts. A spokesperson from Save the Children told the Guardian:
“The remaining 14 [clinics] only have enough funding to remain open for another month… These 32 clinics supported over 134,000 children in January alone.”
The situation underscores a broader humanitarian catastrophe, with Afghanistan facing profound healthcare shortages and the international community under pressure to respond swiftly.
