Afghan people should ‘not be abandoned’: Red Cross official

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that Afghanistan's health system is collapsing amid severe food insecurity, with millions, including over one million children, facing life-threatening malnutrition due to dwindling international aid and clinic closures. This humanitarian crisis is compounded by restrictions on women and ongoing conflict along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, prompting the ICRC to call for sustained global support and continued engagement with the Taliban to ensure aid access.

Afghanistan continues to face severe humanitarian challenges amid waning international attention, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) senior official said on Tuesday. Yasmine Praz Dessimoz, the ICRC director of operations, highlighted the critical situation as the country’s health system collapses and millions confront acute food insecurity.

Speaking from Kabul, Praz Dessimoz described Afghan communities as “struggling to survive with significant humanitarian needs.” She noted that one million children in Afghanistan are at risk of life-threatening malnutrition, while another 3.7 million suffer from acute malnutrition, figures recently reported by UNICEF. The decrease in international aid has forced the closure of around 100 clinics that previously provided treatment for malnourished children.

Afghanistan remains one of the ICRC’s largest operations globally, yet funding cuts have compelled the organization to make difficult decisions to maintain its presence. The ICRC currently supports 46 clinics and seven rehabilitation centers across the country, including services for those injured by conflict or unexploded ordnance.

The ICRC has focused efforts along the Durand Line, the colonial-era border between Afghanistan and Pakistan that Kabul has not formally recognized. This area has seen escalating clashes since October 2025, resulting in displacement of thousands and causing hundreds of civilian casualties. The organization prioritizes these border communities to facilitate engagement with parties on both sides.

Praz Dessimoz also raised concerns about restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban authorities, who resumed control of Afghanistan five years ago but remain officially recognized only by Russia. These restrictions include bans on education beyond primary school for girls and prohibitions on women working in certain professions.

“While we have been able to retain female staff in our health services, the bigger concern is the future,” she said. “If the new generation is not educated, there will be no replacements.” Female health workers are crucial for providing care, particularly to women, underlining the broader impact of these policies on healthcare delivery.

During her recent week-long visit, Praz Dessimoz held meetings with senior Taliban officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. She emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and engagement with the Taliban administration to facilitate humanitarian access and support.

“Afghan people need both national and international support,” she said, urging the global community not to abandon Afghan communities amid the country’s escalating crises.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.