The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are providing essential health care services to a growing number of Afghan returnees at the Torkham border, addressing significant public health challenges as the country grapples with multiple crises. On April 13, 2023, over 100,000 Afghans, mainly women and children, returned from Pakistan in April, facing urgent needs such as water, food, medical support, and protection coverage.

The WHO has mobilized resources to support the Torkham Trauma Centre and a 20-bed hospital, deploying three mobile health teams for round-the-clock care and two surveillance support teams. Additionally, public health screening teams and vaccinators are working at Zero Point and the Torkham returnee camp to provide crucial vaccinations.

Dr. Hijratullah Mohmand, Director of the WHO-supported facilities, highlighted the importance of the Torkham hospital, which treated 5,617 patients in April and provided nearly 5,500 with free medications. Ahmed Zia, a returnee, shared a personal story of his pregnant wife receiving life-saving care at the hospital, underscoring the critical role of the health services provided.

The WHO is prioritizing health care for returnees to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure access to emergency and mental health care. Dr. Jamshed Tanoli, WHO Afghanistan Health Emergencies Programme Team Lead, emphasized the urgent need for additional funding to sustain these efforts and strengthen health crisis response capabilities.