WASHINGTON, DC -- Afghanistan has made strides in improving health outcomes, health services coverage and health systems performance since 2003, according to a new World Bank report.
The report, titled "Progress in the Face of Insecurity: Improving Health Outcomes in Afghanistan", was released Tuesday (March 6).
The number of children dying before their fifth birthday dropped from 137 to 91 deaths per 1,000 live births from 2003 to 2015 -- a 34% decrease, according to United Nations estimates.
"Afghanistan's health gains despite continuing insecurity is a story from which the world has much to learn," said Tim Evans, senior director of Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank Group.
Afghanistan's success can be attributed to its "innovative model of healthcare delivery", with local NGOs largely responsible for health services, said the report.
Afghan organisations make up 72% of the NGOs providing health services, according to the report.
