WHO: Funding Crisis Shuts 150 Health Centers in Afghanistan

DID Press: World Health Organization has warned that a severe funding shortfall has forced the closure or suspension of 150 health facilities across Afghanistan, putting access to essential healthcare for 14.4 million people at serious risk.

According to the WHO, only 17 percent of the funding required for Afghanistan’s 2026 health response plan has been secured, leaving the country’s healthcare system facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Since the beginning of the year, 150 humanitarian-supported health centers have ceased operations due to a lack of financial resources.

Hanan Balkhy, who is visiting Afghanistan, said the funding cuts have severely limited childhood vaccination campaigns, reduced women’s access to safe maternal healthcare, and made it increasingly difficult for patients to receive essential medical services.

Describing the situation as one that “cannot be ignored,” Balkhy called on the international community to take urgent action to prevent further deterioration of Afghanistan’s healthcare system.

The WHO estimates that more than 22 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance, while 14.4 million depend on health services supported by international aid.

The agency also reported that, by the end of June, only 17 percent of the funding needed for the 2026 health response had been received, highlighting a widening gap between humanitarian needs and available resources.

WHO stressed that sustained international financial support is critical to preserving healthcare services, protecting previous public health gains, and assisting the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Afghanistan’s health sector has faced mounting financial pressure following significant reductions in international assistance, leading to the closure of dozens of medical facilities over the past year—a trend that continues to accelerate.