The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that critical funding shortages in Afghanistan could force the closure of up to 80% of its supported essential health care services across the country.

In a statement issued by the agency, WHO noted that as of March 4, 167 health facilities had already been forced to shut down due to insufficient funding. Without urgent intervention, the organization estimates that over 220 more facilities may close by June, potentially leaving millions of Afghans without access to basic medical care.

The funding crisis comes amid a challenging humanitarian environment in Afghanistan, where decades of conflict and political instability have strained the country’s health care system. The potential shutdown of such a large number of facilities underscores the vulnerability of the nation’s health infrastructure and highlights the urgent need for increased international financial support.

WHO has called on donor countries and international organizations to step up their contributions to help stabilize the situation. The organization stressed that ensuring continued access to essential health services is critical to preventing a further deterioration of public health in Afghanistan, particularly in a context where many communities are already facing severe hardships.

As the crisis unfolds, WHO's warning serves as a stark reminder of the broader challenges confronting Afghanistan’s health sector, and the vital role that sustained funding plays in delivering life-saving services to those in need.

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