Afghanistan's healthcare under Taliban: what are the challenges?

Abstract

Afghanistan’s healthcare, affected by civil wars and conflicts, continues to face challenges. In 2002, its health system was completely impaired, and some of the world’s worst health statistics were recorded in this country. In recent years, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has not only not improved, but has worsened in some areas. After the fall of the former government in Afghanistan in August 2021, the health care system approached near collapse. Access to education and healthcare services remain major challenges for people, particularly for women and girls. Women are at high risk of death due to pregnancy, and newborns also incur greater health risks. The Afghan people are facing shortages of essential medicines, medical equipment, and the most important and common healthcare services. Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Thus, the international community and relevant stakeholders need to strengthen their efforts and increase their humanitarian aid regardless of their political views to mitigate the situation amid these critical times. A combination of lack of funds and equipment, poverty, and considerable reduction in the international community’s support after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan has caused increased challenges and restrictions in people’s access to healthcare services. This commentary aims to assess the current restrictions and challenges in health services, and their recent history, amid the Taliban’s take-over of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a developing country that is dependent on external support for its development. Its health care system affected by civil wars and conflicts continues to face stringent challenges (UNICEF 2020). In 2001, its health system had been completely impaired and had recorded some of the world’s worst health statistics. Since 2002, fundamental changes have been implemented by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to improve the health system, starting from providing Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) and