Relief Web has announced that due to the suspension of foreign aid from the United States, the activities of 320 health centers in Afghanistan have been halted or closed, impacting 2.4 million people in need.
In a report based on data from the Afghanistan Health Cluster, the organization stated that following the cessation of U.S. aid to Afghanistan, approximately 320 health centers in 31 provinces have been closed, leaving those who relied on these facilities without access to healthcare services.
The report noted that only 29 health centers in the central provinces of Kabul, Logar, Parwan, Kapisa, and Maidan Wardak have been closed, with the highest number of closures occurring in Logar province.
Relief Web emphasized that the closed health centers were supported by 13 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and with the halt of foreign aid, these organizations suspended their activities, leading to the closure of these health facilities.
It is worth mentioning that most government hospitals and clinics in Afghanistan are funded by several countries and international organizations, including the World Health Organization. However, following the cut in foreign aid by the United States, services in many government hospitals and clinics have also been restricted.
OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stated in its latest report that the U.S. has been the largest donor in the health sector of Afghanistan, providing 43.9% of total humanitarian assistance to the country.
According to OCHA’s report, it was expected that the United States would provide $234 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in 2025, but this expectation has now vanished.
The Afghanistan Health Cluster provides health services and consultations through various institutions and NGOs under the World Health Organization framework. With the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization, all NGOs receiving assistance from the U.S., including this cluster, have either ceased operations or suspended their activities.
