Afghan Women Seek Friendship in AI Amid Taliban Restrictions

Over 200 healthcare facilities in Afghanistan operated by the World Health Organization (WHO) have closed, affecting medical care for approximately 1.84 million individuals. This crisis follows funding cuts from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), implemented during the Trump administration, which suspended more than $40 billion in foreign assistance, leading to the cancellation of over 80% of its programs, as noted by WHO officials. According to Ajyal Sultany, WHO spokesperson in Afghanistan, the closures are exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis marked by rising cases of diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio. Reports indicate that health clinics in 28 out of 34 provinces have shut down, particularly in the north, west, and northeast, where over a third are no longer operational. Amid these closures, restrictions imposed by the Taliban on female travel without male guardians further complicate access to healthcare for women, including mothers and children. Additionally, organizations like Save the Children and the Norwegian Refugee Council have had to reduce services significantly, highlighting an urgent need for renewed funding to avert a worsening health crisis in Afghanistan.

More than 200 health facilities operated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan have ceased operations due to significant cuts in U.S. aid, affecting approximately 1.84 million people. This follows the Trump administration's freeze on foreign assistance, which halted over $40 billion allocated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). According to the WHO, the closure of clinics across 28 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces has intensified an existing humanitarian crisis, as the country faces poverty and widespread outbreaks of diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio. Ajyal Sultany, head of communications at WHO in Afghanistan, noted that marginalized communities are especially vulnerable due to the lack of medical care. Other organizations, including Save the Children, have also been severely impacted by funding shortages, leading to the closure of many clinics that support children's health. “The communities are reaching out to us for help, but we have little to offer,” said Abdul, a health project coordinator. With additional closures anticipated due to ongoing funding issues, experts warn that healthcare access in Afghanistan may deteriorate further.

Over 200 healthcare facilities operated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan have closed due to significant funding cuts from the U.S. government, affecting nearly 1.84 million people reliant on medical services. This alarming development follows the Trump administration's January 2021 decision to freeze over $40 billion in foreign assistance, resulting in a cancellation of more than 80% of USAID programs, according to WHO and Save the Children. Most closures have occurred across 28 out of 34 provinces, compounding an existing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by poverty and disease outbreaks. Ajyal Sultany, WHO's communications head in Afghanistan, warned that vulnerable communities now face heightened risks of malnutrition and preventable diseases, including measles and polio. In response to the funding cuts, Save the Children has shuttered 18 of its 32 clinics, which previously served over 134,000 children in January. The Norwegian Refugee Council has also closed community resource centers, citing similar impacts from U.S. funding disruptions. As the availability of healthcare continues to dwindle, experts fear the situation may deteriorate further unless new funding sources are identified.