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Doctors Without Borders Working to Address the Health Crisis in Afghanistan 

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Doctors Without Borders Working to Address the Health Crisis in Afghanistan 

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Doctors Without Borders are fighting to ensure a response to medical needs in Afghanistan. They take note of the limited resources, underfunding, and limited healthcare in Afghanistan.

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How we're helping in Afghanistan

Despite many challenges, including those posed by COVID-19, we kept all our projects running throughout the year. MSF workers also responded to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea in Kabul and Kandahar, and donated medicines, fuel, food, oxygen, and other supplies to health facilities.

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Decades of conflict in Afghanistan have resulted in immense medical needs. Learn about our work in Afghanistan and how you can help.

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The International Rescue Committee is working to provide support to those who have endured years of suffering. The IRC provides relief and recovery assistance to those affected by crises.

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The International Rescue Committee provides vital support to Afghans who have endured four decades of violent conflict, as well as natural disasters and the spread of COVID-19.

Two years since shift in power in Afghanistan

Two years since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, around 30 million people are still in dire need of assistance. Almost 80% of those are women and girls.

Humanitarian aid cuts have contributed to a 60% increase in people requiring assistance, compounded by economic collapse, climate change, and reduced access to basic services.

Despite challenges, the humanitarian response has managed to avert famine for the past two winters. However, ongoing funding shortages threaten the future of these efforts, risking millions of lives.

Read our August 7 press release

Afghanistan crisis briefing

Plagued by decades of violent conflict and natural disasters, Afghanistan has created one of the largest refugee populations in the world. The IRC provides humanitarian relief and recovery assistance to those affected by crises.

What caused the current crisis in Afghanistan?

For years, Afghanistan has struggled with a declining economy and dwindling security. In August 2021, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (commonly known as the Taliban) took control of the country. International donors immediately suspended most non-humanitarian funding and froze billions of dollars in assets. Without this funding, the economy has spiraled downward. Afghans are running out of money while prices of food and medicine are skyrocketing. The country could see near universal poverty in 2022 with 97% of Afghans at risk.

Any attempt by Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) to take advantage of the shift in power portends violence and civilian harm. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces ongoing drought and a possible fourth wave of COVID-19.

Afghanistan ranks first in the IRC's list of crises that are expected to deteriorate the most in 2022.

What are the main humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan?

Despite many years of aid, Afghanistan's former government struggled to provide clean water, electricity, safe roads and education services for its people. Today, 24.4 million Afghans need humanitarian support.

The suspension of aid flows-previously 75% of the government budget-has sapped the current government's ability to pay salaries to public servants and deliver desperately needed services to millions of Afghans. The impact has been immediate and widespread. The population increasingly cannot meet basic needs as the economy and public services collapse amid sanctions.

The shift in power followed a major escalation in conflict between the Taliban and the former government over the course of 2021 and a deal that saw American forces depart the country rapidly.

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan reached record levels in the first half of 2021, with women and children bearing the brunt of the conflict. Afghans who assisted the U.S. in their country, such as translators and interpreters, face great danger. The Biden Administration has been addressing a backlog in processing Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for these allies and looking at other paths for Afghans seeking safety-but these efforts benefit less than 1% of Afghans.

The likelihood of extreme weather events in Afghanistan, which is already prone to natural disasters, is rising due to climate change. Drought and other disasters coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflict mean that more Afghans at home and abroad are being pushed into poverty, and increasing numbers of people are facing food insecurity.

Starvation could kill more Afghans than last twenty years of war. Since the shift in power in Afghanistan, humanitarian needs have skyrocketed. One million children are at risk of the most severe form of malnutrition.

"Right now, every day Afghans are being punished by international policies that are leaving millions on the brink of starvation," says IRC Afghanistan director Vicki Aken.

How does the IRC help in Afghanistan?

The IRC's mission is to help people whose lives are shattered by conflict and disaster to recover and gain control of their futures.

We began work in Afghanistan in 1988, launching relief programs for people displaced by the invasion of the Soviet Union. We now work with thousands of villages and communities across nine provinces, with Afghans making up more than 99% of IRC staff in the country. In recent years, the IRC has become one of the leaders in women's protection and empowerment in the country.

As Afghanistan struggles to recover from conflict, natural disasters and COVID-19, the IRC:

provides uprooted families with cash assistance, tents, clean water, sanitation and other basic necessities

supports over 100 health facilities, installs hand-washing stations in local communities, and provides information and training sessions about COVID-19.

provides safe learning spaces in rural areas

helps people find employment

works with local communities to identify, plan and manage their own development projects

See the IRC's work in Afghanistan featured on the Dec.12, 2021 episode of 60 Minutes on CBS and Paramount+.
The IRC is also supporting the many Afghans who have been forced to flee their country. Here is a quick overview of our work assisting Afghans in Mexico, Uganda, Pakistan, and in the United States, where we resettle Afghan refugees with housing, employment, health care, education, and other comprehensive services.

How can I help people in Afghanistan?

Support the IRC's work
Donate now to help the IRC support children and families in Afghanistan and in crisis zones worldwide.

The IRC is consistently awarded top marks by charity watchdog groups for our efficient use of donor contributions and the effectiveness of our work. Read more reasons to give to the IRC.
Find out more ways to help Afghanistan.
How to welcome Afghans arriving in the U.S.

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The International Rescue Committee provides vital support to Afghans who have endured four decades of violent conflict, as well as natural disasters and the spread of COVID-19.

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This peer-reviewed article discusses the non-functioning healthcare system in Afghanistan. It talks about barriers, underlying issues, and policies.

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An assessment of the barriers to accessing the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) in Afghanistan: was the BPHS a success? - Globalization and Health

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Afghanistan is one of the most fragile and conflict-affected countries in the world. It has experienced almost uninterrupted conflict for the last thirty years, with the present conflict now lasting over a decade. With no history of a functioning healthcare system, the creation of the Basic Package…

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This video from TRT World sheds light on Afghanistan's critical underfunding in health care. It highlights the urgent need for support and resources.

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Afghanistan’s healthcare system reeling under crisis as donors halt funding

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This peer-reviewed article is an analysis of the Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey in 2015. It talks about the limited resources in Afghanistan specifically for women and children.

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Current status and determinants of maternal healthcare utilization in Afghanistan: Analysis from Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey 2015

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Background Advancing maternal health is central to global health policy-making; therefore, considerable efforts have been made to improve maternal health. Still, in many developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including Afghanistan, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR)…

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Afghanistan's Health System Suffers Critical Underfunding, Calls for Donor Support

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Afghanistan's Health System Suffers Critical Underfunding, Calls for Donor Support

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In this news article, the World Health Organization mentions the need for donor support in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan shows the scale of the crisis and the need for assistance.

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Launched today by the World Health Organization (WHO), a new Alert underscores the crucial importance of ramping up investment in healthcare services provision in Afghanistan, particularly in the underserved areas where the healthcare infrastructure is severely under-resourced and remain vulnerable due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

After decades of instability, exacerbated by severe drought and natural disasters, Afghanistan is currently facing a prolonged humanitarian crisis, with millions of people living with poor or no access to health and food, putting them at a severe risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks. The vulnerability of women and girls has further intensified, as they face increased obstacles in accessing healthcare due to the ban on education and workforce participation.

The revised Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 reveals an alarming increase in the number of people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. As per the plan, 28.8 million people in Afghanistan require immediate assistance, up from 18.4 million prior to August 2021. To address the health emergency, 14 million people, including 7.5 million children and 3.1 million women, are currently targeted for health assistance, out of which 8.4 million have already been reached in the first six months of 2023. The healthcare response has been commendable, with a total of 25.7 million healthcare services provided between 2022 and 2023.

However, despite these efforts and without sufficient funding, 8 million people in Afghanistan will lose access to essential and potentially lifesaving health assistance, and 450,000 patients will have little to no access to life-saving trauma care services, including blood transfusions and referrals. In addition, an estimated 1.6 million people with mental health conditions will have little to no access to mental health consultation and psychosocial support.

The WHO Alert highlights the dire consequences that will result if underfunding continues in Afghanistan's healthcare system. The health sector is facing significant barriers to delivering holistic services to the Afghan people, especially women and children, resulting in fragmentation and increased vulnerability, particularly in underserved areas.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated: "The situation in Afghanistan is grave, and the lack of resources and funding to support health workers and facilities is putting countless lives at risk. Women and children are suffering the most. I call on donors to give generously so that we can continue our life-saving work".

Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, urged the international community to unite with WHO to help tackle the ongoing humanitarian health crisis in Afghanistan. He said, "It is our collective responsibility to act now to support the Afghan healthcare system. The consequences of inaction are catastrophic and may leave a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the Afghan people."

Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative to Afghanistan, expressed concern about the underfunding of the health system and emphasized the need for immediate action, while also taking the opportunity to extend his appreciation to partners. He said, "The situation in Afghanistan is critical, and it demands urgent attention. For a country already affected by decades of conflict, underfunding of the healthcare system is a critical humanitarian concern. The consequences of this underfunding cannot be overstated. I want to thank our current partners who have provided support thus far, but also to call on them to redouble their efforts".

In the second half of 2023, WHO will continue working with its outstanding partners to tackle critical health emergencies by providing life-saving health interventions, while simultaneously building on the successes observed in 2022. Much work still needs to be done to deliver on WHO' strategic areas; Protecting people every day; Reaching everyone, everywhere, and putting mothers and children first; Leading the health sector by coordinating the health partners, a nddrive impact in delivering effective health services in Afghanistan.

For more information about the Alert and WHO's response to Afghanistan's humanitarian health emergency, follow the hashtag #AfgEmergAlert on @WHOAfghanistan or view the Alert here.

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Afghanistan's health system suffers critical underfunding, calls for donor support

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Launched today by the World Health Organization (WHO), a new Alert underscores the crucial importance of ramping up investment in healthcare services provision in Afghanistan, particularly in the underserved areas where the healthcare infrastructure is severely under-resourced and remain vulnerable due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

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This World Health Organization Article talks about a real woman (Ayesha) and her experience with the health system in Afghanistan. She sheds light on why she became a midwife and speaks on the struggles she encountered growing up. Later, the article discusses ways the system has been improving and how we can show support.

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Afghanistan’s health system is on the brink of collapse: urgent action is needed

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Visit the country situation reports page for the latest information on Afghanistan’s evolving situation and support needs

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This peer-reviewed article further mentions and breaks down the crisis surrounding maternal and child health in Afghanistan. They talk about training healthcare professionals and donors to increase humanitarian aid.

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The crisis of maternal and child health in Afghanistan

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All content on this site: Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. For all open access content, the Creative Commons licensing terms apply.

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This video from the United Nations shows how difficult life has been for some citizens in Afghanistan. Some nurses have been working for over three months with no pay.

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Afghanistan requires critical funding - World Health Organization | United Nations

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In this news article, The United Nations are taking note of the WHO calling for greater investment in Afghanistan’s health system. They talk about underfunding and the need for increased humanitarian aid.

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Afghanistan continues to face a humanitarian crisis brought on by decades of instability, exacerbated by severe drought and natural disasters. As a result, millions are living with poor or no access to healthcare and food, putting them at severe risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks.

WHO added that the vulnerability of women and girls has further intensified as they face increased obstacles in accessing healthcare due to Taliban edicts on education and workforce participation.

'A critical humanitarian concern'

"The situation in Afghanistan is critical, and it demands urgent attention," said Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO's Representative there.

"For a country already affected by decades of conflict, underfunding of the healthcare system is a critical humanitarian concern. The consequences of this underfunding cannot be overstated."

The UN and partners report an alarming increase in the number of Afghans in urgent need of humanitarian aid this year. Nearly 29 million require immediate assistance - up from 18.4 million prior to August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power.

To address the health emergency, humanitarians are targeting 14 million people, including 7.5 million children and 3.1 million women. They reached 8.4 million during the first six months of the year and have provided more than 25 million healthcare services since 2022.

'Countless lives at risk'

However, WHO warned that despite these efforts and without sufficient funding, eight million Afghans will lose access to essential and potentially lifesaving healthcare.

Furthermore, 450,000 people will have little to no access to lifesaving trauma care services, including blood transfusions and referrals. Roughly 1.6 million people with mental health conditions will also face shortfalls in accessing support.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, urged donors to give generously so that its lifesaving work can continue.

"The situation in Afghanistan is grave, and the lack of resources and funding to support health workers and facilities is putting countless lives at risk," he said. "Women and children are suffering the most."

A collective responsibility

During the remainder of the year, WHO will continue working with partners to tackle critical health emergencies in Afghanistan while also building on successes achieved in 2022.

The UN agency stressed that much work still remains to deliver on its priorities which include protecting people every day; reaching everyone, everywhere, and putting mothers and children first.

Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, urged the international community to unite with WHO and respond to the ongoing humanitarian health crisis in Afghanistan.

"It is our collective responsibility to act now to support the Afghan healthcare system," he said. "The consequences of inaction are catastrophic and may leave a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the Afghan people."

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WHO calls for greater investment in Afghanistan's health system

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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday appealed for donors to ramp up funding to provide healthcare to some 14 million people in Afghanistan, particularly in underserved areas where infrastructure is severely lacking. |