UN to release $45 million to prevent the collapse of Afghanistan healthcare system

Barely one month after the Taliban takeover, the United Nations relief, chief Martin Griffiths, says medical supplies and fuel are running out in Afghanistan.

“Medicines, medical supplies, and fuel are running out in Afghanistan,” Mr. Griffiths said in a statement on Wednesday.

He disclosed that the UN will be releasing $45 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund “to help prevent Afghanistan’s health-care system from collapse.”

Mr. Griffiths warned that “allowing Afghanistan’s health-care delivery system to fall apart would be disastrous,” adding that “People across the country would be denied access to primary health care such as emergency caesarian sections and trauma care.”

Lamenting the non-payment of health workers in the country, he said the funds will be released to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF for NGOs to keep health facilities, including hospitals treating COVID-19 patients, operating until the end of the year.

The UN in September accused the Taliban of killing employees of the previous government, violating the group’s promise to respect the human rights of every Afghan citizen.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said her office received credible allegations that members of the previous government and their family members were arbitrarily detained and in some cases found dead after being released.

Also in September, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned that a major humanitarian crisis was looming in Afghanistan.

His warning came amidst uncertainty about the situation for vulnerable Afghans seeking shelter across the country’s borders.

After taking overpower, the Taliban, while declaring amnesty across the country in August, promised to respect the human rights of every Afghan citizen.