The Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health said on Tuesday it had signed a $9.1 million agreement with the aid organization HealthNet TPO to expand health services in the eastern province of Kunar.
The 18-month agreement is intended to provide basic and specialized care through Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) centers, the ministry said in a statement.
It added that the project would improve access to essential medical services and address pressing health challenges in the province.
The ministry said the initiative would create employment for about 1,516 people in various health-related fields.
According to the statement, HealthNet TPO representatives expressed confidence that the project would be carried out within the planned timeframe and in accordance with required standards, while prioritizing community health needs, according to the statement.
The ministry said it remained committed to working with national and international partners to strengthen health services and improve facilities across Afghanistan.
The agreement comes amidst concerns over impacts of Taliban restrictions on women’s higher education and closure of medical institutes for women and girls. Experts have warned that the ban would lead to severe shortage of female health workers in the country.
