Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States’ decision to withdraw from the organization could severely impact efforts to eradicate polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed deep concern, emphasizing that US support has been crucial in combating polio for decades.
“The United States has played a significant role in funding WHO’s efforts, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region. We are in the final stages of eradicating polio in the last two countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US withdrawal is undoubtedly regrettable,” Balkhy stated.
WHO has been a key player in Afghanistan’s healthcare system, supporting vaccination programs, training medical staff, and monitoring disease outbreaks. Experts fear that losing US funding could disrupt these initiatives.
“Most WHO-led health projects in Afghanistan were directly funded by the US government. Without that support, continuing these projects will be extremely challenging,” said Dr. Sayed Abdullah Ahmadi.
Polio remains a pressing health issue in Afghanistan. While the Ministry of Public Health reported no positive cases last year, WHO confirmed over 20 cases in the same period.
The potential funding cuts come at a critical time, as Afghanistan struggles to eliminate the virus and protect its children from paralysis.
