The United Nations reported that the Taliban’s 48-hour internet shutdown on September 28-29 resulted in the deaths of at least 9 children and one newborn in Afghan hospitals.
The communication blackout completely paralyzed the country’s healthcare system.
According to UNAMA’s report, three children died in Zabul province due to lack of blood supplies, while five malnourished children died in Badghis province due to absence of doctors.
Hospitals couldn’t make emergency calls and ambulances were stranded without communication.
The decision by Hibatullah Akhundzada, Taliban leader, had catastrophic consequences for 75% of Afghanistan’s population dependent on telecommunications.
Healthcare workers emphasized these deaths were preventable if communication systems had remained operational during the crisis.
