The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has sounded alarm over the potential for a devastating impact on health programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan following a US government decision to temporarily halt nearly all foreign aid programs.  In a statement delivered at a UN Geneva press briefing on February 4, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Pio Smith highlighted the critical situation.

Smith explained that the suspension of US-funded UNFPA services has led to the closure of vital health facilities, leaving millions without access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare.  In Afghanistan, the impact is particularly severe, with over 9 million people, including women and girls, losing access to health and protection services.  This includes the suspension of nearly 600 mobile health teams, family health houses, and counselling centers. 

Afghanistan already has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with a mother dying from preventable pregnancy complications every two hours.  The loss of UNFPA support will undoubtedly exacerbate this crisis, Smith warned, at a time when the rights of Afghan women and girls are already severely curtailed.

The situation in Pakistan is equally alarming.  The suspension of services will cut off 1.7 million people, including 1.2 million Afghan refugees, from lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services. Smith added that over 60 health facilities will be forced to close in Pakistan.

Smith emphasized that these are not mere statistics but represent the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The UNFPA requires over $308 million this year to sustain essential services in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Smith urged the US government to reconsider its decision and continue its role as a global leader in development, working with UNFPA to alleviate the suffering of women and their families.  He stressed that while funding decisions may change, UNFPA’s vital mission to protect the safety, dignity, and hope of every woman and girl remains unwavering.

In Bangladesh, the impact of the US aid freeze is also significant, with nearly 600,000 people, including Rohingya refugees, facing the loss of access to critical maternal and reproductive health services.