The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a program to provide free treatment for women suffering from obstetric fistula in Afghanistan’s Kabul and Kandahar provinces.
In a press release issued on Monday, September 6, the organization said the initiative is being implemented in cooperation with several humanitarian and relief organizations. The treatment package includes surgical procedures, counseling and post-treatment care for women affected by obstetric fistula.
The services will be available at Rabia Balkhi Hospital in Kabul and Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar, providing affected women with access to specialized medical care without treatment costs.
Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth-related medical condition that can cause significant physical and social difficulties for affected women. Timely surgical treatment and continued medical support can help improve patients’ health and quality of life.
According to the WHO statement, the program is being implemented with financial and institutional support from several organizations. These include the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, the King Salman Humanitarian Foundation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Islamic Development Program.
The initiative comes amid ongoing healthcare challenges in Afghanistan, where access to specialized medical services remains limited in many areas.
By providing free surgery alongside counseling and follow-up care, the program aims to help women receive comprehensive treatment and support. The WHO and its partners are expected to continue working with local health facilities to improve access to essential maternal healthcare services.
The initiative represents another effort by international humanitarian organizations to address critical healthcare needs among Afghan women and provide specialized medical assistance to those who might otherwise struggle to access treatment.