Afghans driven to sell kidneys on black market in the face of extreme poverty

People in Afghanistan are resorting to selling their kidneys on the black market to feed their families as the country faces extreme poverty.

The United Nations estimates that 24 million people in Afghanistan—more than half of the population—are in need of lifesaving humanitarian aid. This is 30% higher than in 2021 when the Taliban seized control of the country.

Illegal organ trading already existed in Afghanistan before the Taliban’s takeover, but a combination of economic sanctions, severe drought, and covid-19 have led to the black market surging as many more people experience extreme poverty. …