The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced in its annual report that it provided health services to 13.7 million people in Afghanistan in 2024.

According to the organization, 78% of these services were dedicated to women and girls, delivered through 995 health centers across the country in cooperation with 18 implementing partners.

The UN agency added that compared to the previous year, the number of people receiving health services in Afghanistan increased by 48%.

Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah, UNFPA Representative for Afghanistan, has said in this report: "We reached 13.7 million Afghans – 78 per cent of them women and girls – with essential reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services. These services were delivered through 995 service delivery points across all 34 provinces, managed by 18 implementing partners. This figure represents a significant 48 per cent increase in beneficiaries, or project participants, served compared to 2023."

The organization also emphasized that despite numerous challenges, it will continue its programs to provide vital services to Afghan women and girls.

Meanwhile, several Afghan citizens have called for expanded access to healthcare services for women and children, especially in remote districts.

Mirajuddin, a resident of Badakhshan, said: "Unfortunately, in many district areas, people, especially children do not have access to health services. Given the difficult terrain and the lack of services, our request to the government and relevant organizations is to increase these services."

Saifullah, another resident of Badakhshan, said: "We ask that more attention be paid to improving health service facilities so that people can be freed from health-related hardships."

Doctors also stress the need to increase the number of female health workers in these centers to help prevent maternal and newborn deaths.

"The role of female doctors and midwives is very crucial, and at this time, there is an urgent need to expand these services. Many women in remote areas such as provinces, districts, and villages lack adequate access to healthcare," said Najmulsama Shafajo, a physician.

Marwa, another doctor, said: "More support can be provided to us, which would solve many of the health issues both in Kabul and in remote areas. This would help reduce the maternal and child mortality rates and other health problems."

This comes as several international organizations, including the World Health Organization, have warned that some health centers in Afghanistan will be shut down this year and that the delivery of services may decline by up to 80% by June.