Japan Pledges $240,000 to WHO for Urgent Health Aid in Afghanistan

The World Health Organization said Japan has donated $240,000 to support urgent healthcare needs in Afghanistan, focusing on women, children and addiction treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new $240,000 contribution from Japan to support urgent health needs in Afghanistan, including assistance for women and children.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 12, WHO said the funding would help address critical healthcare gaps amid Afghanistan’s deepening humanitarian crisis.

Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO’s representative in Afghanistan, welcomed Japan’s support, saying the contribution was vital for providing care to people suffering from substance addiction and other health emergencies.

Japan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kenichi Masamoto, said Tokyo remained deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges faced by Afghans and was committed to supporting essential health services through WHO.

The announcement comes as international organizations warn that Afghanistan’s fragile health system is under severe strain due to economic collapse, displacement and limited access to medical care.

Afghanistan’s healthcare sector has struggled since foreign aid sharply declined following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, leaving millions without basic medical services.

International donors have increasingly focused on targeted humanitarian assistance delivered through UN agencies to avoid disruption to life-saving services.

Separately, Sweden announced more than $6 million in new humanitarian aid to Afghanistan earlier this week, while Italy has also contributed funds through the UN’s Special Trust Fund for the country.

The United Nations estimates it will require around $1.71 billion in 2026 to meet Afghanistan’s most urgent humanitarian and health needs, underscoring continued reliance on international support.

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