Afghanistan

The Afghanistan country profile provides an overview of the community health system in Afghanistan according to the most up-to-date policies available. It particularly focuses on the country’s community health providers, the structures that support them, and the services they deliver across many health areas – with a spotlight on family planning. The profile is targeted towards policymakers, program implementers, donors, researchers, and others interested in the country’s community health system.

The table below captures key information from the full, downloadable country profile. The complete CHS Catalog data set is also available for download, including information for Afghanistan.

Community Health Quick Stats

Main Community Health Policy / Strategy | Last Updated
  • A Basic Package of Health Services for Afghanistan | 2010
  • Community-Based Health Care Strategy (2015-2020) | 2015
Number of Community Health Provider Cadres

1 main cadre : Community health workers (CHWs)

Estimated Number of Community Health Providers

28,000 CHWs

Community-Level Data Collection Yes
Levels of Management of Community-Level Service Delivery

National, provincial, district, community

Key Community Health Program(s)

CBHC Program

Key Policies and Strategies

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Public Health. 2005. The Essential Package of Hospital Services for Afghanistan. Kabul: Ministry of Public Health (accessed July 2016).

———. 2010. A Basic Package of Health Services for Afghanistan – 2010. Kabul: Ministry of Public Health (accessed July 2016).

———. 2011. National Health Management Information System - Procedures Manual Part I & II (accessed July 2016).

———. 2015. National Health Policy (2015- 2020) (accessed July 2016).

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Public Health, General Directorate of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Avicenna Pharmaceutical Institute. 2014. National Essential Medicines List of Afghanistan (accessed August 2016).

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Public Health, General Directorate of Preventive Medicine, Community Based Health Care Department. 2012. Community Health Worker's Training Manual.

———. 2015. Community Based Health Care Strategy 2015-2020 (accessed July 2016).

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Public Health, Reproductive Health Task Force. 2012. National Reproductive Health Policy 2012-2016 (accessed July 2016).