Afghanistan

Afghanistan faces multiple, compounding shocks – natural disasters, climate changes, ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges and frequent communicable disease outbreaks that have significantly impacted health needs.

The healthcare system remains fragile, marked by insufficient infrastructure, inadequate funding and a shortage of healthcare professionals. In 2024, the closure of 288 primary healthcare facilities, including Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams (MHNT), affected access to services for 3.3 million people. The severity of needs has deepened over the past year, highlighting the urgent need for improved health infrastructure, greater access to services and tailored responses for vulnerable populations. Seasonal planning will be critical for responding to ongoing and future shocks in 2025.

In 2025, the Health Cluster will prioritize strengthening access to primary healthcare services in hard-to[1]reach areas, referral pathways and monitoring the health status of the affected population, including disease outbreak preparedness and response. Specific focus will also be given to services for persons with disabilities, rehabilitative care and treatment of trauma cases resulting from Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). Access will be enhanced through training healthcare workers, providing essential medicines and equipment, allocating human resources, and repairing and rehabilitating health facilities.

2025 Humanitarian needs and response plan