WHO Reports Health Challenges for Returnees in Afghanistan
Afghan returnees face critical healthcare gaps, including shortages of essential medicines, female health staff, gender-sensitive services, isolation facilities, trauma care, and mental health and psychosocial support.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 106,109 people returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran between July 31 and August 15, 2025, with 83.7% coming from Iran. Returns through the Torkham crossing nearly tripled during this period.
WHO identified major challenges at border crossings, including shortages of essential medicines, limited female health staff, and lack of gender-sensitive services. Omari camp in Torkham recorded 566 outpatient consultations, mostly for respiratory infections and diarrhea, with 20,582 people vaccinated against polio and measles.
At Islam Qala, 1,079 returnees received primary healthcare, including 297 trauma-related treatments. In total, 24,519 children under 10 were vaccinated against polio and measles during this period.
In Spin Boldak and Milak borders, integrated healthcare services were provided, with 8,683 consultations and 22,711 polio vaccinations. Additionally, 134 children received oral polio vaccines (OPV). Shortages of isolation facilities and female staff remain major challenges.
Returnees with disabilities or requiring mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) face significant gaps, particularly at Milak. WHO stressed the need for investment in comprehensive healthcare and specialized services.
The report underscores the urgent need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services to protect vulnerable returnees and improve overall health outcomes in Afghanistan.
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