U.S. President Donald Trump has halted American contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) and international NGOs operating in Afghanistan, citing the Taliban’s oppressive policies against women.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghan women have been banned from attending school, working, or participating in any form of business. Furthermore, male doctors are legally prohibited from treating female patients, creating a severe healthcare crisis for Afghan women.
Despite these restrictions, Afghanistan has relied heavily on foreign aid to sustain its healthcare system. The U.S. previously contributed up to 70% of Afghanistan’s healthcare funding, covering costs for medical supplies, vaccinations, and salaries for foreign female doctors deployed by WHO and NGOs like Doctors Without Borders.
However, Trump, alongside billionaire Elon Musk and supporters of decentralized finance, has taken a firm stance against what he calls the “burden of religious extremism” being placed on American taxpayers. By pulling the U.S. out of WHO and cutting off funding for NGOs, Trump aims to force the Taliban to take full responsibility for the healthcare of their citizens.
“If they choose to deny their women education, deny them the ability to become doctors, and refuse to let them work, then they clearly do not value the lives of their women. America cannot care more than the Afghan government itself,” a Trump spokesperson stated.
With U.S. funding withdrawn, Afghanistan now faces a major healthcare crisis. The Taliban must either reform their policies or find alternative ways to support their healthcare system—without relying on American aid.
