The Taliban's ban on women aid workers in Afghanistan has severely impacted healthcare service delivery, particularly for women and children. The closure of women-led local NGOs and international NGOs with a significant female workforce has created a gap in essential services like maternal and child health. The ban has also led to a reduction in female healthcare workers, further limiting access to care. The situation underscores the importance of women-led NGOs and the need for a power shift and re-imagination of the role of INGOs in Afghanistan to ensure the sustained delivery of essential services in crises.

The resurgence of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) highlights its significant yet under-recognized role in respiratory infections globally. Recent outbreaks in China, India, and Europe underscore its clinical burden, with severe cases linked to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and exacerbations of chronic conditions. Despite its impact, hMPV remains underdiagnosed due to limited access to molecular diagnostics and routine surveillance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The absence of antivirals or vaccines exacerbates its public health challenge. Advances in multiplex diagnostics and vaccine development offer hope but require sustained global investment. Addressing gaps in prevention, diagnostics, and treatment is critical to mitigating hMPV’s growing threat and ensuring equitable healthcare outcomes.