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Over 400 health centers shut down in Afghanistan following US aid suspension
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partner organization, the Global Health Cluster, have reported the closure of 422 health centers across Afghanistan, following the suspension of US humanitarian aid to the country.
As a result, more than three million people in 30 provinces have lost access to essential healthcare services.
In a recent report, WHO and the Global Health Cluster — a network of international health organizations — warned that the US government’s decision to halt all foreign assistance has had a widespread and detrimental impact, particularly on vulnerable populations who depend on life-saving health services.
The funding suspension follows an executive order issued in January by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that U.S. foreign aid no longer aligned with America’s interests due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. The decision has since drawn criticism from international health bodies for its immediate and far-reaching consequences on public health in Afghanistan.
According to the WHO, Afghanistan’s healthcare system — already weakened by decades of conflict — now faces a severe crisis. The lack of funding has disrupted operations at hundreds of facilities and threatens to further deteriorate the fragile system.
Earlier in May, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) also announced that due to budget shortfalls, approximately 6.3 million people — mostly women and girls — would lose access to basic and critical healthcare services in the country.
Additionally, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning: if current funding trends continue, more than 1,900 health facilities across Afghanistan could be forced to shut down by the end of 2025.
The situation raises serious concerns about the future of healthcare delivery in Afghanistan and underscores the urgent need for sustainable international support to preserve critical services for millions of at-risk Afghans.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said on Monday that Pakistani military regime carried out fresh attacks targeting civilian areas in Dangam district of Kunar Province.
According to Fitrat, the strikes hit residential homes as well as public facilities, including schools, health centers, and mosques.
He reported that at least three civilians were killed, while 14 others—most of them women and children—were wounded.
Fitrat added that the attacks caused damage to civilian infrastructure, destroying two schools (one for girls and one for boys), a health center, and two mosques. He also said that approximately 80 livestock were killed.
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Ambassador Ugolini reaffirms Italy’s humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian support in Afghanistan during a high-level coordination meeting in Istanbul.
Ambassador Sabrina Ugolini represented Italy at the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting, co-organised by the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
She highlighted the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s renewed priorities, including the empowerment of women, education, refugee support, healthcare, and demining efforts.
Together with Francesco Zatta, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) office in Islamabad, the ambassador also underscored the importance of preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. They noted that safeguarding heritage sites can contribute to job creation and economic growth, forming part of Italy’s broader principles-based approach to development assistance.
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Leadership reshuffle announced across Afghanistan’s admin and security sectors
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has announced a wide-ranging set of leadership appointments following a decree from the IEA’s senior leadership.
Under the changes, Abdul Ahad Fazli, former governor of Faryab, has been appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology. Mohammad Hanif Hamza will take over as governor of Faryab, while Abdulrahman Haqqani has been named governor of Khost and Abdullah Mukhtar as governor of Baghlan.
Further appointments include Mohammad Wali Jan as governor of Badghis and Makhdum Abdul Salam Saadat as Deputy Minister for Coordination of Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs.
In the security sector, Abdul Qayum Hilal has been appointed police chief of Baghlan, Abdul Haq as police chief of Maidan Wardak, Mohammad Omar Mukhlis as police chief of Nimroz, and Faridullah Qiyam as police chief of Logar.
At the provincial deputy level, Enamullah Salahuddin (Logar), Mohammad Anwar (Paktia), Abdul Zahir Mudassir (Maidan Wardak), Mohammad Nabi Hamas (Baghlan), Rahimullah Mahmood (Helmand), and Mohammad Gul Khaybar (Farah) have been appointed. Qazi Noorullah has been named deputy governor of Paktika.
In additional postings, Mohammad Humayun Jahadyar has been assigned as commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 203rd Mansouri Corps, while Agha Wali Hanafi will oversee detention facilities within the General Directorate of Prisons.
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
Pakistani military carries out fresh attacks in Kunar, killing 3 and wounding 14
Ambassador Ugolini reaffirms Italy’s humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan
Leadership reshuffle announced across Afghanistan’s admin and security sectors
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