The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Nearly 14 million people in Afghanistan require support to access healthcare services, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on World Health Day.
IOM described healthcare as a “lifeline, not a privilege,”
highlighting the urgent needs of returnees, displaced populations, and
vulnerable communities across the country.
The organization said it continues to provide critical
medical services, including emergency care, mental health and psychosocial
support, and reproductive health services. In 2025, IOM delivered nearly
510,000 health consultations, more than 46,000 sexual and reproductive health
services, and over 31,000 mental health support sessions.
IOM also shared the story of an Afghan returnee woman who,
after years of hardship in Iran, received life-saving care for her child upon
returning to Afghanistan. The organization said such support remains essential,
particularly for women and children facing poverty, displacement, and limited
access to services.
According to IOM, Afghanistan’s health sector continues to
face serious challenges, including reduced international funding and barriers
affecting women’s participation in education and healthcare services.
The agency emphasized that sustained international support
is crucial to ensure continued access to healthcare for millions of Afghans.
