International health experts have issued a dire warning that large parts of Afghanistan’s health system are on the brink of collapse due to Western sanctions against the Taliban. The country is facing simultaneous disease outbreaks and a worsening malnutrition crisis, with many medical staff unpaid for months and facilities lacking basic supplies.
Dr Paul Spiegel, director of the Center for Humanitarian Health at Johns Hopkins University, described the situation after a recent five-week visit. He reported that public hospitals lack fuel, drugs, hygiene products, and even colostomy bags. The Covid-19 response has nearly ground to a halt, with only 7.7% of 39 designated hospitals fully functioning.
Spiegel highlighted six concurrent disease outbreaks: cholera, measles, polio, malaria, dengue fever, and Covid-19. He noted that the main infectious disease referral hospital in Kabul is “on its knees,” with staff working without salaries and cutting trees for heat due to lack of gas. Outside major cities, conditions are even worse, with one provincial hospital lacking water and soap for hygiene.
The economic collapse, with the IMF warning of a 30% contraction, has plunged more people into poverty, limiting access to healthcare. Dave Michalski of Doctors Without Borders warned that many Afghans cannot afford travel to functioning facilities. Unicef has also raised concerns about the growing crisis exacerbating child malnutrition and disease.
