In Afghanistan, decades of conflict and the decrease of foreign aid have left the healthcare system weak and fragile. For many families like Asadullah’s, access to medical care is increasingly difficult.
Over 17.9 million people in Afghanistan are currently in need of health assistance, particularly in rural areas where hospitals are far away, transportation is challenging, and healthcare professionals are scarce. Winters make the situation even worse, leaving families struggling for survival.
The economic crisis compounds these hardships. Joblessness has soared, with 8.92 million people actively seeking opportunities but unable to find one. Women and youth are particularly affected. This reality places immense pressure on men like Asadullah, who carry the burden of providing for their families.
Asadullah, a 45-year-old father of nine, lives in a remote village in Zabul province, 140 kilometres from the nearest city. Along with his seven sons and two daughters, he also cares for his elderly parents, making him the sole provider for a household of 13.
“A family of 13 looks to me when I walk through the door,” Asadullah says. He runs a small grocery shop, but many villagers cannot afford to pay with cash. Instead, they exchange goods. “I receive wheat, oil, or beans in return for items from my shop,” he explains. However, most days, Asadullah returns home empty-handed. “When my children are sick, I borrow money to take them to the city hospital. “Over time, people began to turn me away when I knocked on their doors to borrow money, knowing I couldn’t pay them back ,” he shares.
In southern Afghanistan, INTERSOS Health Facilities have become a vital lifeline for families like Asadullah, offering critical health support amid worsening conditions. For men who face shrinking job opportunities and rising responsibilities, this assistance is essential to their survival.
“It’s like a light in the darkness of our silenced dreams,” he says. The facility provides routine vaccinations, basic medication, and psychological consultations. “They even hold informative sessions for men and women, which are very helpful in our current situation,” Asadullah adds.
“Having our rights was a dream for us,” he says. “INTERSOS has solved one big part of our problems. Now I bring my children for health services here, which is a few minutes away from my home, ” he adds.
Asadullah’s village is just one example of the countless remote areas in Afghanistan where health facilities are scarce and families face hardships. For the 17.9 million people needing healthcare, INTERSOS leads the response in southern and center of Afghanistan, but the need for humanitarian support and funding remains critical.
Beyond providing care, INTERSOS prioritises education and awareness, equipping residents with the knowledge to adopt healthier practices in their daily lives. By sharing these health tips with others in their community, people are helping spread awareness and creating a stronger and healthier future for everyone.