At least 161 people in Afghanistan have reportedly died following disruptions to healthcare services linked to the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, according to a report by Refugees International.
The report highlights the severe impact of funding reductions on Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, particularly among vulnerable populations including women, newborns and children.
According to the findings, cuts to international assistance have contributed to the closure or disruption of health clinics, shortages of essential medical supplies and reduced support for critical health infrastructure. These developments have placed additional pressure on medical facilities struggling to meet the needs of communities across the country.
The reported deaths underscore the potential consequences of interruptions to humanitarian and healthcare funding in Afghanistan, where millions of people remain dependent on international assistance for basic services.
Women and newborns are considered particularly vulnerable to disruptions in maternal and reproductive healthcare, while children face increased risks when vaccination, nutrition and emergency medical services are reduced.
Refugees International warned that continued funding shortfalls could further weaken Afghanistan’s healthcare system and increase preventable suffering and deaths. The organization’s findings add to broader concerns among humanitarian agencies about the consequences of declining international support for Afghanistan.
The report comes as Afghanistan continues to face a prolonged humanitarian crisis, with widespread poverty, food insecurity and limited access to essential services affecting large sections of the population.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for sustained funding to maintain essential healthcare services and prevent further deterioration of the country’s medical infrastructure.