KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided oxygen analysis devices to 12 hospitals in Kabul and 11 other provinces across Afghanistan. According to a statement, posted on X on Thursday, February 5, the equipment is intended to strengthen patient safety and improve the quality of oxygen care for the most vulnerable individuals.
WHO emphasized that this assistance, made possible with support from its partners, will help health workers deliver safer and more reliable care on daily basis. “This lifesaving support was made possible with contributions from generous donors and partners, including UNITAID to helps health workers deliver safer & more reliable care every day.”
In addition, WHO has established an oxygen production center at Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kabul, a move intended to provide more consistent access to life-saving supplies and support healthcare workers in delivering safer and more reliable care.
These efforts come at a time when Afghanistan faces severe healthcare challenges. Years of conflict, economic hardship, and resource shortages have left hospitals struggling with outdated equipment and limited staff, putting patients at risk. Millions of Afghans continue to require urgent medical attention, particularly children, women, and people with disabilities.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will need health services in 2026. Humanitarian actors plan to reach half of them, with an estimated $190.8 million required to fund these efforts. The aid provided by WHO and other organizations highlights the critical role of international support in addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing health crisis.
