Crisis Deepens as Over 200 Health Facilities Close in Afghanistan

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.

Afghan girls over the age of 12 remain barred from traditional schooling for the fourth consecutive year, following the Taliban's return to power. According to UNICEF, this decision has affected more than one million girls, thrusting many into madrassas—Islamic educational centers—where they study subjects like Quranic texts, Hadith, and basic educational skills. Amina, a 15-year-old aspiring doctor, expressed her despair upon learning she could no longer attend school, stating, “All my dreams were shattered.” Founded by Hamid Nowrouzi, the Al-Hadith madrassa offers some hope, combining religious courses with subjects like midwifery and first aid, although Taliban restrictions have curtailed medical training for women. The Shaikh Abdul Qadr Jilani madrassa, accommodating over 1,800 students, also offers religious and some academic instruction but lacks comprehensive educational resources. Human rights experts, including UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett, have raised alarms about the Taliban's restrictive education system. He warned that limited educational opportunities could foster radical ideologies. Despite the challenges, Amina remains hopeful for the future, aspiring to one day fulfill her dreams of becoming a heart surgeon.

Afghan girls continue to face significant barriers in accessing education, as the Taliban's ban on schooling for those over 12 years old persists for the fourth consecutive year. Amina, a 15-year-old aspiring doctor, recounts the emotional impact of being told she could no longer attend school, stating, "All my dreams were shattered." UNICEF estimates that over one million girls are affected by this prohibition. With mainstream schools closed, many girls are turning to madrassas, which focus on Islamic teachings but offer limited academic subjects. Hamid, Amina’s brother, founded the Al-Hadith madrassa in Kabul to provide a blend of religious and academic education. He emphasizes that his sister's return to any form of schooling has positively impacted her wellbeing. Concerns remain, however, regarding the content taught at madrassas and the potential for ideological indoctrination. Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has warned that this limited education could lead to the fostering of radical ideologies. While Taliban officials claim about three million students attend these institutions, no clear timeline for lifting the ban on girls' education has been established.