WHO halts support for trauma center in Kandahar over operational disputes

The World Health Organization (WHO) has ceased funding for a 30-bed trauma center in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, citing repeated interference from local health authorities, Afghan Amu news agency said, adding that the facility, which treated over 100 patients daily, has been shut down, according to sources.

The closure follows efforts by Kandahar’s Taliban-led health directorate to relocate the center to an older, less-equipped building. WHO officials stated that the move was not feasible due to the facility’s specific standards.

A WHO representative confirmed the decision, saying, “Persistent interference in operations compelled us to withdraw support.” The organization handed over medical equipment valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars to local authorities.
The Kandahar health department has announced plans to repurpose the site for a public hospital and convert the trauma center’s building into a comprehensive health clinic.

In a related development, WHO has also suspended funding for an infectious disease center in Bamiyan Province, sources revealed.