Logan Reid
Afghanistan has seen its healthcare system slowly improving after decades of war. In 2020, the country had 172 hospitals and four doctors per 10,000 people, according to a government report. However, the number of hospitals varies across different sources, with some reporting 134 hospitals, 26 of which are located in Kabul. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 has negatively impacted the country's healthcare system, with restrictions on women's rights and access to healthcare, as well as a ban on basic medical training for women. Attacks on hospitals and the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated the issue, with millions of people at risk due to rising violence. Recent aid cuts have also impacted hospitals, with the World Health Organization estimating that more than 3 million people have been affected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals | Sources vary, with one source stating there are 134 hospitals, another stating 172, and another announcing the construction of 318 hospitals. |
| Number of health facilities | Over 3,000 |
| Number of health posts | More than 17,000 |
| Number of midwives | 38,000 |
| Number of physicians per 100,000 people (as of 2003) | 11 |
| Number of nurses per 100,000 people (as of 2003) | 18 |
| Per capita health expenditure (as of 2003) | $28 USD |
| Number of physicians per 10,000 people (as of 2019) | 4 |
| Maternal mortality rate reduction (2001-2021) | 50% |
| Percentage of residents in cities with access to clean water (2021) | 89% |
| Infant, child, and maternal mortality rates (as of 2006) | 275 per 1,000 |
| Number of health facilities impacted by U.S. aid cuts | Over 420 |
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What You'll Learn
- There are currently 134 hospitals in Afghanistan, 26 of which are in Kabul
- The Taliban's return to power in 2021 restricted women's access to healthcare
- Afghanistan's healthcare system is poor compared to neighbouring countries
- In 2020, millions of vulnerable Afghans had no access to healthcare
- US aid cuts have impacted hospitals and caused growing public anger
There are currently 134 hospitals in Afghanistan, 26 of which are in Kabul
Afghanistan currently has 134 hospitals, 26 of which are located in the capital, Kabul. Of these 134 hospitals, 18 are referral hospitals, offering 2,669 beds with a bed occupancy rate of 58% and an average length of stay of 9.1 days. These hospitals are run by 3,421 professional staff.
The country has seen improvements in healthcare since 2001, with life expectancy increasing from 56 to 64 years and the maternal mortality rate reducing by 50%. Despite these improvements, Afghanistan's healthcare system remains poor when compared to its neighbouring countries. Decades of war have left the country's healthcare system in a fragile state, with a shortage of doctors and nurses. In 2003, there were only 11 physicians and 18 nurses per 100,000 people. The nation had one medical facility for every 27,000 people in 2004, and some centres were responsible for as many as 300,000 people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies have been working to strengthen the country's healthcare system. WHO has provided technical support to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to strengthen policy dialogue, coordination, and harmonization of programmes. WHO has also supported the development of a National Health Strategy and the establishment of a Health Sector Strategic Oversight Committee.
However, the recent return of the Taliban to power in 2021 has posed new challenges to the healthcare system. The Taliban's restrictions on women's rights have impacted their access to healthcare and education, with a ban on women being trained in nursing and midwifery. The economic situation has also deteriorated, with aid groups warning of devastating impacts due to recent cuts in US foreign aid. Hospitals are struggling, and there is a shortage of essential supplies and staff.
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The Taliban's return to power in 2021 restricted women's access to healthcare
Afghanistan has over 3,000 health facilities, including the first neurosurgery hospital, and more than 17,000 health posts. In November 2024, the Afghan Ministry of Health announced the construction of 318 hospitals. Despite these developments, the country's healthcare system remains poor compared to its neighbors. The situation is especially dire for women, whose access to healthcare has been severely restricted since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
Before the Taliban's takeover, foreign aid funded a large portion of Afghanistan's public sector, with $600 million in healthcare funding coming from the World Bank and other international bodies. However, after the Taliban came to power, sanctions were imposed, freezing much of this financial assistance. This loss of funding has undoubtedly impacted the country's healthcare system and its ability to provide adequate care to its citizens, especially women.
The Taliban's restrictions on women's education and employment have also significantly impacted their access to healthcare. The Taliban banned women from receiving basic medical training, prohibiting them from becoming healthcare professionals. This ban was widely condemned by human rights organizations as a direct threat to the health and well-being of Afghan women and children. Afghanistan already had one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, and this ban further exacerbated the issue.
Furthermore, the Taliban has prohibited women in some provinces from being treated by male medical professionals. This restriction has deterred many women from seeking healthcare, leading to untreated illnesses and potentially life-threatening health complications. The Taliban has also been accused of failing to address cases of domestic violence and forced marriage, further endangering the lives of Afghan women.
The situation for women in Afghanistan is dire, with limited access to education, employment, and healthcare. The Taliban's restrictive policies have systematically violated the rights of women and girls, and the international community has a responsibility to hold the Taliban accountable for these crimes and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
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Afghanistan's healthcare system is poor compared to neighbouring countries
Afghanistan's healthcare system has been steadily improving over the last two decades, with increasing coverage of health services throughout the country. In 2018, there were 3,135 functional health facilities, providing access to almost 87% of the population within a two-hour distance. This is a significant improvement from 2004, when there was one medical facility for every 27,000 people, and some centres were responsible for up to 300,000 people. Today, there are over 3,000 health facilities and more than 17,000 health posts across Afghanistan, including the country's first neurosurgery hospital.
Despite these advancements, Afghanistan's healthcare system remains poor compared to its neighbouring countries. Decades of war, political crises, and natural disasters have taken a toll on the country's healthcare infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, with Afghanistan already relying on external aid for 80% of its healthcare budget. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 led to a suspension of foreign aid, causing a collapse in the economy and endangering the healthcare system. The ban on basic medical training for women imposed by the Taliban in 2024 has also negatively impacted the healthcare sector.
The quality of healthcare in Afghanistan varies across the country, with the most advanced medical treatments available in major cities like Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif. However, many wealthy Afghans still choose to seek medical treatment in other countries, such as India, Iran, and Turkey. The country also faces a shortage of healthcare workers, with only 11 physicians and 18 nurses per 100,000 people in 2003. The average monthly salary for doctors in government hospitals ranges from $700 to $2,367, leading many doctors to supplement their income by working at private clinics.
Afghanistan has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health. From 2001 to 2021, the maternal mortality rate decreased by 50%, and the infant mortality rate improved from 275 per 1,000 live births to 66 to 112.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. The number of Afghan women working as midwives has also increased to 38,000, although more are still needed. Access to clean water has improved, with 89% of residents in cities having access in 2021, compared to only 16% in 2001.
While Afghanistan's healthcare system has shown progress, it continues to face challenges compared to its neighbouring countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies are working closely with the Afghan government to strengthen the healthcare system and improve access to quality healthcare services for all Afghans.
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In 2020, millions of vulnerable Afghans had no access to healthcare
Afghanistan has over 3,000 health facilities and more than 17,000 health posts, including the country's first neurosurgery hospital. However, in 2020, millions of vulnerable Afghans had no access to healthcare. Decades of conflict and frequent natural disasters, including flooding, earthquakes, and extreme drought, have displaced millions of people. By 2023, 28.6 million people needed humanitarian assistance, accounting for 67% of the population.
Healthcare in Afghanistan has been slowly improving after being almost non-existent due to decades of war. From 2001 to 2021, life expectancy increased from 56 to 64 years, and the maternal mortality rate decreased by 50%. Despite these improvements, Afghanistan's healthcare system remains poor compared to its neighbouring countries. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 curtailed Afghan women's rights, restricting their mobility and access to healthcare.
In 2024, the Taliban's health ministry banned women from receiving basic medical training in nursing and midwifery. Afghanistan has about 38,000 midwives, but more are needed. The country has made progress in improving maternal and child healthcare, with a reported decrease in maternal mortality rates. However, congenital heart disease (CHD) remains a significant cause of infant mortality, exacerbated by inadequate maternal and newborn healthcare. Only 33% of Afghan women receive the recommended four prenatal care visits, and many mothers are unaware of potential health issues with their unborn children.
Afghanistan also faces challenges in providing dedicated paediatric cardiac surgery centres, forcing families to seek expensive treatment abroad. The recent halt in international aid has exacerbated the situation, with more than 200 humanitarian health centres across Afghanistan forced to shut down. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that as of March 25, 2025, a total of 202 health facilities had been suspended or closed, impacting approximately 1.8 million people in 28 provinces. The organization warned that if funding gaps persist, up to 80% of WHO-supported health facilities in Afghanistan could close by June 2025, putting millions more at risk of losing access to essential healthcare services.
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US aid cuts have impacted hospitals and caused growing public anger
Afghanistan has experienced significant improvements in healthcare in recent years. Since 2001, the country has seen an increase in life expectancy from 56 to 64 years, and the maternal mortality rate has decreased by 50%. However, despite these advancements, the healthcare system in Afghanistan still lags behind that of its neighbouring countries.
In April, the Trump administration made the decision to terminate all foreign assistance awards and rapidly dismantle USAID, the primary US agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance in Afghanistan. This has resulted in the loss of over $1.7 billion in American aid contracts, with other countries like the UK, France, and Germany following suit. The US State Department has defended its decision, arguing that American foreign spending should align with the "America First" approach and that foreign aid must forward national interests without wasting taxpayer money.
The aid cuts have had a devastating impact on Afghanistan, with hospitals and vulnerable communities bearing the brunt. The US government previously funded doctors, midwives, and nurses at the Nangarhar Regional Hospital, in addition to providing medicines and medical equipment. Now, hospitals are struggling with food and medical shortages, and families are unable to afford treatment or even travel to healthcare facilities.
The situation has led to growing public anger, with millions of Afghans at risk of hunger, illness, and displacement. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, as they face restricted access to healthcare and education due to the Taliban's stifling restrictions. The IRC, which has provided critical assistance to Afghans since the 1980s, has been forced to suspend some of its lifesaving services, including food and educational programs.
The impact of the aid cuts is undeniable, and it remains to be seen how Afghanistan will cope with the loss of vital support and funding for its healthcare system and other essential services.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 134 hospitals in Afghanistan, 26 of which are located in Kabul. However, a 2019 government report stated that there were 172 hospitals in the country.
Hospitals in Afghanistan are often difficult to access. A third of the population does not have access to a functional health centre within a 2-hour radius of their home. Outside major cities, there is a shortage of oxygen cylinders, forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about patient care.
The quality of hospitals in Afghanistan is poor. A 2012 report showed little improvement in the management of hospitals and the quality of health services. Hospitals are also under threat from rising violence, with attacks on healthcare facilities being carried out amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
