KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Marking World Health Day, the European Union has announced a €97 million investment in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector.
In a post on X, the EU Delegation said it remains committed to addressing urgent health needs and improving public health in Afghanistan. The aid is channeled through key organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNFPA, UNICEF, and several others.
The funding supports a wide range of programs. These include mental health, drug addiction, reproductive health, maternal and child care, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, and care for landmine victims.
It also focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and training healthcare workers.
This support comes amid a worsening crisis in Afghanistan’s healthcare system due to a lack of funding.
WHO recently warned that 80% of its supported health facilities could shut down by June. Such closures could cut off vital services for millions of Afghans, including women, children, the elderly, and displaced populations.
Since March, 167 health centers have already closed across 25 provinces, leaving 1.6 million people without care. If no action is taken, another 220 facilities could shut down, affecting an additional 1.8 million people.
The UN’s 2024 humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan was only 40% funded. Its 2025 appeal has received just 13.3% of the $2.42 billion needed.
This funding gap has also caused a shortage of trained staff and critical medicines.
The Taliban’s bans on women’s education and work—especially in healthcare—have further worsened the crisis. Health officials say the drop in female healthcare workers has had a severe impact on services for women and children.
