WHO and EU Support Specialized Infectious Disease Care in Northeastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Thousands of residents across northeastern Afghanistan have accessed free, specialized treatment for infectious diseases at the Kunduz Infectious Disease Hospital through support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the European Union (EU), the organization announced on 20 October 2026.

According to the WHO, the partnership has supported the 50-bed facility since April 2026, allowing it to treat conditions including viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and acute watery diarrhoea for patients from Kunduz and neighboring provinces.

Data from the organization shows that over a six-month span, the hospital provided outpatient services to 27,745 patients, including 13,499 women. Additionally, 2,114 patients were admitted for inpatient care, of whom 1,268 were women.

Dr. Ihsanullah Ihsan, head of the Infectious Disease Hospital, noted that offering free care relieves families of significant medical expenses and eases operational pressure on the Regional Hospital. Hospital staff also emphasized the role of female healthcare workers in encouraging women to seek medical assistance.

WHO Representative in Afghanistan Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador stated that the initiative aims to remove financial and geographic barriers to specialized care, particularly for vulnerable populations facing life-threatening seasonal outbreaks.

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