News Center_ Afghanistan’s healthcare crisis is deepening as restrictions on women’s movement continue and international funding declines, exposing millions of women and girls to severe deprivation of essential medical services.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced today, Monday, August 24, that approximately 1.6 million women and girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of essential health services due to funding shortages.

The organization explained that the closure of health centers or the suspension of their services further restricts women's and girls' access to medical care, affirming that continued humanitarian support is essential to maintain and strengthen these services.

UN bodies had previously indicated that 14.4 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian health services, as relief organizations face severe financial shortfalls.

Afghanistan's health system has faced major challenges for decades, most notably heavy reliance on international aid, shortages of medicines and medical equipment, and a lack of specialized staff. Save the Children also reported that 600 health centers in the country have been closed due to funding shortages.