The European Union (EU) has announced an investment aimed at improving health care in Afghanistan, particularly for vulnerable populations. The EU has allocated €16mn to the World Health Organization (WHO) and €15mn to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to enhance the provision of health services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and expand reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health services.
Afghanistan grapples with severe health care challenges, particularly for women and young people in underserved areas. Currently, only 10% of women have access to basic health services. The country faces alarming maternal, child, and neonatal mortality rates, with a mother dying every two hours from preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. Additionally, 25% of the population resides in hard-to-reach areas, compounding these issues.
NCDs, which account for nearly half of all deaths in Afghanistan—half of which are women—pose an increasing threat to public health. The country’s fragile health system struggles under the weight of limited financial resources and a shortage of trained health professionals.
In response to these pressing needs, the EU has partnered with WHO and UNFPA to facilitate access to quality health services.
“The EU's financial support, combined with the technical expertise of WHO and UNFPA, ensures that health care reaches those who need it most, prioritizing critical areas like reproductive health and the fight against chronic diseases. Through trust, transparency, and inclusivity, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children,” stated Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d’Affaires to Afghanistan.
WHO Representative in Afghanistan, Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, emphasized that the new EU contribution will improve access to high-quality care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in seven provinces. He assured that their commitment to inclusive health services will ensure both men and women, particularly in remote areas, receive essential care.
UNFPA Country Representative Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah stated that with the EU’s support, UNFPA aims to reach over 500,000 people, focusing on women and girls, by strengthening the national health system through investments in community-led health services.
The collaboration will expand the Family Health House (FHH) program to deliver comprehensive services, including immunization, nutrition, psychosocial support, and cancer screening. It will also operationalize two Midwifery-Led Maternity Care Centers, improve the skills of health staff, particularly midwives, and provide integrated services for youth through Multipurpose Youth Centres (MYCs).
In conjunction with WHO, the EU will bolster screening, diagnostic, treatment, and palliative care for NCD patients at national and provincial levels. The initiative will address the shortage of healthcare workers trained in NCD and cancer care, ensuring they have the necessary skills to serve all communities. Additionally, it will enhance the National Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Hospital in Kabul, including critical radiotherapy services.
Together, these initiatives aim to improve the uptake of inclusive health services for women and adolescent girls, tackle the rising risk of chronic diseases, and transition from humanitarian aid to essential healthcare interventions.
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