The suspension of U.S. aid has disrupted Afghanistan’s humanitarian operations, leaving millions without healthcare and risking a worsening crisis.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that the suspension of U.S. funding has had devastating consequences for humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, leaving over 1.6 million people without access to essential healthcare services.

According to OCHA’s latest report released on Thursday, May 22, 188 health centers across Afghanistan were forced to shut down by the end of February 2025 due to funding shortages. This closure has deprived more than 1.6 million individuals of crucial health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The report also highlights that approximately 1,700 female health workers and demining staff lost their jobs as a result of the funding cuts. The layoffs have had a particularly harsh impact on women and their families, further exacerbating gender-based vulnerabilities under the current economic and political conditions in the country.

In 2024 alone, the U.S. provided $735.7 million—about 47% of the total humanitarian budget for Afghanistan—making it the largest donor. This support enabled humanitarian agencies to deliver at least one form of life-saving assistance to 20.4 million Afghans, including comprehensive aid to 3.4 million people, 29% of whom were women.

However, the abrupt halt in U.S. funding for 2025 has disrupted procurement cycles and preparedness activities ahead of seasonal emergencies. OCHA cautions that without alternative funding to fill this gap, millions could be pushed toward hunger and deprivation.

OCHA urged the international community to step in and fill the funding void. “The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire,” the report stated, “and without timely support, the cost in human suffering will be immeasurable.”

Multiple aid organizations, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have echoed similar concerns in recent months, underscoring the need for sustained funding and access to ensure aid delivery amid mounting needs and operational challenges.

Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed that Afghan refugee transfers to the U.S. are delayed due to security checks, not canceled.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Tuesday, May 20, that the transfer of eligible Afghan individuals to the United States has not been canceled. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, he stated that updates on the resettlement process would be shared soon. Rubio explained that the current delay is due to extensive background checks necessary to ensure national security and the integrity of the refugee program.

Rubio elaborated that authorities are still determining which Afghan individuals will be allowed entry into the U.S., based on detailed background investigations. He acknowledged that some of the existing vetting procedures had raised concerns and were now being reviewed. This reassessment aims to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes both safety and the country’s humanitarian responsibilities.

The delays have had serious implications for nearly 1,660 Afghan refugees, including unaccompanied children and individuals at risk of Taliban retaliation due to their affiliations with the former U.S.-backed Afghan government. These individuals were previously cleared for relocation but have seen their flights canceled, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability.

Lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Grassley, have criticized the Department of Homeland Security for what they view as inadequate screening of Afghan refugees during the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan. Grassley has pressed the FBI for details on how they are addressing potential security threats and emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability throughout the resettlement process.

The current situation highlights the delicate balance between fulfilling humanitarian commitments and ensuring national security. While it is essential to assist those who have supported U.S. missions abroad, the government must also guarantee that its vetting procedures are robust and trustworthy. Strengthening these processes will help rebuild confidence in the refugee program and safeguard American citizens.