The evolution of the Afghan health system 2002 to 2022 and challenges ahead after the return of the Taliban to power

Since the invasion by the Soviet Union in 1979, Afghanistan has suffered from ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. This chapter examines the gains made in Afghanistan’s health system especially from 2002 until 2021 and how these could be sustained in ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises following also the last political transition in mid August 2021, triggered by the sudden military withdrawal of the United States and its allies. The collapse of the elected government put at severe risk all development gains made over the last two decades including access to health care, particularly for women, children and other vulnerable groups. The chapter argues that the global community needs to closely work with local communities, shuras and other community-based organizations in Afghanistan to ensure the protection of human rights, especially for women and girls, and equal access to health care, education, work, food, and shelter for all Afghanistan’s people.