Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting minister of foreign affairs, in a meeting with the Alexander Matheou, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) regional director for Asia Pacific, called for expanding healthcare services and humanitarian aid in remote districts of Afghanistan.
He also emphasized cooperation in treating children with congenital heart defects.
The ministry’s statement said: “Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Alexander Matheou to expand healthcare services to remote areas in Afghanistan and to give special attention to the treatment of children suffering from congenital heart defects.”
Rahimullah Sultani, a doctor, stated: “If we can diagnose and treat diseases in rural areas, the workload on major medical centers will be reduced, which will have a direct impact on reducing the spread of diseases.”
Abdul Salam Hanafi, the administrative deputy of the prime minister’s office, also stressed the continuation of the federation’s aid to the Afghan people, particularly newly returned refugees.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, said: “We have asked the Red Cross Federation to continue its assistance to Afghanistan, especially for the refugees who have been forcibly expelled.”
“Job opportunities should be created within the country, and focus should be placed on large-scale projects and the establishment of factories to reduce dependency on foreign aid,” said economic affairs expert Ismail Zadran.
Afghanistan is one of the countries where standard healthcare services are still unavailable in many remote areas.
According to the World Health Organization’s report on Afghanistan, more than 33% of the country’s population lacks access to healthcare services.