Post-2021 Social and Health Challenges in Afghan Society: A Narrative Review

Following the August 2021 regime change, Afghanistan has experienced profound disruptions across its social framework, with cascading adverse effects on population health. This review synthesizes studies published between 2021 and early 2026 to examine five key domains of social health challenges: (1) Social Determinants (education, employment, displacement), (2) Health System Access and Governance, (3) Gender-Based Barriers, (4) Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing, and (5) Food and Nutrition Security.

A narrative review with a structured search approach was conducted. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and reports from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and humanitarian organizations were searched for evidence published from August 2021 to March 2026. Included sources focused on Afghanistan's post-2021 social and health challenges, with pre-2021 literature used only for baseline comparison. The search was structured to ensure comprehensive coverage, but the review is designated as a narrative review because it does not employ formal systematic review methodology such as dual-independent screening, quality assessment scoring, or meta-analysis.

Based on 37 included sources, the review finds that while Afghanistan's public healthcare system demonstrated remarkable short-term resilience, systemic pressures from aid suspension, economic collapse, and restrictive policies particularly those affecting women and ethnic minorities have created a deepening health crisis. Notably, health gains achieved over two decades are at risk of reversal. Food insecurity affects over 17 million (approximately 40% of Afghans), and mental health distress is pervasive, especially among females. This narrative review has several limitations, including reliance on heterogeneous evidence sources, restricted access to national data, and rapidly changing conditions that may affect the generalizability of findings.

This review identifies critical evidence gaps post‑2021 social health challenges and argues for urgent international engagement to safeguard fundamental health rights in Afghanistan.