UNICEF to strengthen and expand health services to 23 million people in Afghanistan with support from the Asian Development Bank
Kabul, 6 November 2025 – UNICEF will expand and sustain essential health services for an estimated 23 million people across 17 provinces in Afghanistan, with $270 million in financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The funding will support over 1,300 health facilities, helping ensure that children, women, and men continue to receive quality primary health care close to home.
Through this support, UNICEF will maintain the delivery of core health services including maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition; immunization; mental health and psychosocial support; treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases; and emergency care.
Despite progress, one in four Afghans remains unable to reach a health facility within an hour’s walk. Primary obstacles include distance, financial barriers, shortage of doctors, and transportation issues. Women face additional obstacles due to restrictions to their education, employment, health care, and movement.
“Thanks to ADB’s continued support, UNICEF is sustaining the delivery of health services and empowering health workers, especially women, to serve their communities,” said UNICEF Representative to Afghanistan Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale. “This support not only ensures that children and families can access lifesaving care but also helps build the foundations of a health system that is resilient, equitable, and sustainable.”
Running through December 2026, ADB’s support will also enable UNICEF to provide targeted cash assistance to help families offset health-related costs. The project will further invest in strengthening community health systems by empowering frontline health workers, enhancing access to basic care and disease prevention, and reinforcing quality monitoring mechanisms.
In 2024, ADB support enabled UNICEF to deliver essential health services to 5.8 million people through 745 facilities in 10 provinces.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
UNICEF has been in Afghanistan for over 70 years. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Afghanistan, visit https://www.unicef.org/afghanistan/ or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
About the Asian Development Bank
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 from the region.
