WHO Warns of Afghan Health Service Collapse Amid Funding Shortage; Over 220 Facilities Face Closure by June 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on March 17, 2025, that 80% of its supported health services in Afghanistan could shut down by June 2025 due to a critical funding shortage. This shortfall, exacerbated by U.S. aid cuts and shifting development aid priorities, threatens to close over 220 additional facilities, potentially leaving 1.8 million Afghans without primary healthcare access. Already, 167 operations have ceased due to financial constraints. WHO's Afghanistan chief, Edwin Ceniza Salvador, warned of dire consequences, emphasizing the risk of reversing years of progress in strengthening the country's health system. Afghanistan faces multiple health emergencies, including outbreaks of malaria and dengue, alongside ongoing polio eradication efforts. Save the Children reported the closure of 18 health facilities it supports, with only 14 clinics having funding for one more month. The U.N. forecasts an additional 1,200 maternal deaths by 2028 due to these funding cuts, worsening Afghanistan's already high maternal mortality ratio. Malnutrition is widespread, affecting 10% of children under five.