KABUL – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that with US$270 million in new funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), essential health services for roughly 23 million people across 17 Afghan provinces will be expanded and maintained.
In a statement, UNICEF said the funding will support more than 1,300 health facilities nationwide.
According to the agency, ADB’s contribution will help sustain primary healthcare services, including maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, vaccinations, mental health and psychosocial support, and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Despite recent improvements, UNICEF noted that one in four Afghans still cannot reach a health facility within an hour’s walk. Barriers include long distances, financial constraints, shortages of medical staff, and transportation challenges.
The agency added that women face even greater obstacles due to Taliban-imposed restrictions on education, employment, healthcare, and freedom of movement.
“Thanks to ADB’s continued support, UNICEF is sustaining the delivery of health services and empowering health workers, especially women, to serve their communities,” said UNICEF Representative to Afghanistan Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale.
“This support not only ensures that children and families can access lifesaving care but also helps build the foundations of a health system that is resilient, equitable, and sustainable.”
UNICEF said ADB’s support will continue until December 2026 and will also provide targeted cash assistance to help families cover health-related costs.
Afghanistan’s health system has been pushed into crisis amid declining international aid. According to the United Nations, hundreds of health centers have shut down, while many others operate with severe shortages of supplies and staff.
A critical lack of female health workers continues to pose a major challenge, exacerbated by the Taliban’s ban on girls’ and women’s education.
