Afghanistan
What is happening in Afghanistan?
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Afghanistan is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Decades of conflict, climate-related disasters and economic collapse have worsened poverty, hunger and unemployment. HealthNet TPO, one of Afghanistan’s largest health NGOs, has supported the nation’s health system since 1994. We work in key areas like health infrastructure, mental health services, protection, and helping communities rebuild their lives.
Afghanistan’s healthcare system saw improvements over the last twenty years, but these gains are now at risk. The 2021 takeover led to a near-total collapse of the health system. The pause in international funding threatened 90% of health facilities, severely limiting access to essential healthcare services for millions of Afghans.
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Decades of conflict and frequent natural disasters, including flooding, earthquakes, and extreme drought, have displaced millions of Afghans. By December 2023, 28.6 million people needed humanitarian assistance, 67% of the population. Events like the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Herat caused significant damage, exacerbating the crisis with limited resources.
Afghanistan faces a severe economic and humanitarian crisis. In 2023, over 4 million Afghans, including pregnant women and children, faced acute malnutrition. Restrictions by de facto authorities have severely limited women’s and children’s rights, including movement and work opportunities, leading to increased gender-based disparities and social injustices.
Our impact in 2025
6.2M
people received healthcare through our health facilities.
172K
people received mental health and psychosocial services.
28.5K
children were treated for severe malnutrition.
86K
women supported by skilled birth attendants.
I depended entirely on my sons, who already struggle to provide for our family. But after my surgery, I can finally see again. Regaining my sight transformed my life and the one of my family.— Mauladad, 65-year-old farmer from rural Afghanistan, participant in the Accessible Eye Health Care Project
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Read moreProvision of healthcare services in Afghanistan
Access to quality healthcare for all remains a problem in Afghanistan. Since 1995, we have been strengthening and supporting the health system to improve the health and wellbeing of the population.
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Read moreSupporting mental health in Afghanistan
By strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services, HealthNet TPO wants to improve the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of people living in Afghanistan, particularly for women and children. There is no health without mental health.
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Read moreImproving nutrition in Afghanistan
HealthNet TPO is tackling malnutrition in Afghanistan by improving access to essential nutrition services in Kabul and Khost provinces. Through prevention, treatment, and community empowerment, we are addressing the root causes of malnutrition and helping families rebuild healthier, more resilient lives.
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Read moreEye care in Afghanistan
Improving access to vital eye treatments is one of the ways that we are working with people and communities to improve health and wellbeing in Afghanistan.
Spotlight
Balancing motherhood and study: becoming a counsellor in Afghanistan
While studying to become a Health Social Counsellor in Kabul, Shakiba Safi faced one of the most demanding moments of her life: the birth of her fourth child during the final weeks of training. Her determination to complete the programme reflects the commitment of health workers supporting communities across Afghanistan.