KABUL (SW) – For almost two weeks now, the continuation of women’s work in organizations related to the United Nations in Afghanistan has become a serious matter of dispute between the Islamic Emirate and the United Nations.
Concerns about the suspension of the activities of the organizations related to the United Nations in Afghanistan are more noticeable in the provision of medical services, which is currently dependent on international aid.
Shoaib Rahimi, a doctor in Takhar, said about this: “Clinics rely 100% on financial assistance from the World Health Organization. If these aids are cut or reduced, the poor people of Afghanistan will face very serious problems.”
Baheer, a doctor in Kapisa, said about this: “The clinics where we currently work, all their facilities, equipment and salaries are funded by the United Nations. Without this help, health personnel cannot provide health services.”
Right now, the health department of the remote province of Ghor, whose residents always complain about the lack of access to medical services, is facing a lack of funds.
Gul Ahmad Sahil, the director of the provincial hospital of Ghor, said: “Unfortunately, in the last few months, our budget was cut in half and there is a deficit in our budget. Right now, we are facing a financial problem in terms of providing health services.”
Similarly, Fada Mohammad Pikan, the former deputy of health services supply of the Ministry of Public Health, said that if the international aid in the health sector is stopped, the Ministry of Public Health will not be able to provide the medical services needed by the people.
He added: “If, under the pretext of women’s work, the United Nations agencies or UNAMA stop their work, it is natural that the current government of Afghanistan will not have the ability to support and run all four thousand health centers throughout Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, Sharaf Zaman Amarkhil, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health, agreed that the provision of medical services in Afghanistan requires the cooperation of international organizations.
He aadded “In this case, work is currently underway to make the health sector self-sufficient and to get rid of this situation where the advancement of the health sector depends only on donations.”
Although so far, the United Nations has not specifically announced the suspension of its assistance in the health sector. However, there have been reports of a reduction in aid and humanitarian activities of in Afghanistan.
ENDS
