Minister of Public Health Engages WHO Leadership in Strategic Talks to Strengthen Afghanistan’s Healthcare System and Combat Infectious Diseases

The Minister of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, held high-level talks with Edwin Cinezá Salvador, WHO Director for Afghanistan;  Mandeep Ratti, the WHO Polio Team Leader; and key health officials to advance healthcare cooperation in Afghanistan.

The meeting focused on the WHO's ongoing healthcare initiatives in Afghanistan, tackling the challenges facing the health sector, and strategies for strengthening the healthcare system. Key topics included improving the capacity of health workers, eradication of polio, the equipping of cancer treatment hospitals, and expanding support for infectious disease hospitals. The delegation also discussed the enhancement of service quality and attracting international funding to support vital health programs.

Minister Jalali, in close partnership with international stakeholders, underscored the importance of reinforcing health services and ensuring standardized patient care across the country. He highlighted the need to address the critical challenges facing the health system to ensure its sustainable growth.

Further discussions covered the expansion of healthcare services, including providing much-needed equipment for cancer treatment hospitals and the establishment of infectious disease hospitals with nearly 350 beds. The Minister emphasized the urgency of combating polio and other infectious diseases, while calling for continued improvements to the national health system.

The WHO delegation reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration, pledging support for health sector reforms, securing additional aid, and contributing to long-term healthcare solutions for Afghanistan.