Afghanistan

Afghanistan is experiencing multiple, compounding shocks, including natural disasters, climate change, ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges, and frequent communicable disease outbreaks, all of which have significantly increased health needs. These factors have further strained an already fragile and unevenly distributed health system, with an estimated 33 per cent of the population residing in underserved areas. The health sector continues to face inadequate financing, high dependence on external aid, shortages of qualified health personnel, and limited access to essential, quality services in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

Access to health care further deteriorated in 2025 due to the closure of at least 422 primary health care facilities, including Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams (MHNT), following the suspension of United States funding and reductions from other donors. This development reduced access for an estimated 3.3 million people and disrupted critical services, such as facility-based maternal delivery and family planning.

In 2026, the Health Cluster will prioritize expanding equitable access to primary health care in hard-to-reach and underserved areas, strengthening referral pathways, and enhancing disease surveillance, preparedness, and response. Key services will include the minimum initial service package for reproductive health, antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries, family planning, trauma care, rehabilitative services, and targeted support for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.