RASC News Agency: In a recent meeting held on October 10 to commemorate World Mental Health Day, Ali Reza Nawrozi, the designated representative of the World Health Organization in Afghanistan, made a startling revelation. He asserted that a staggering 85% of the Afghanistani population is afflicted with mental disorders. Nawrozi further expounded on the underlying causes, attributing the prevalence of such conditions to the enduring consequences of protracted conflicts and traumatic experiences. He emphasized that these factors have collectively impacted approximately half of the nation’s inhabitants.
During the meeting, Nawrozi highlighted the prevailing situation, stating that a mere 12% of individuals suffering from mental illness in Afghanistan are actively seeking treatment. This statistic is alarming, given the scale of the problem and the need for appropriate interventions to alleviate the suffering of those affected. It is imperative that the government and relevant stakeholders take swift action to address the mental health crisis in Afghanistan and provide accessible and effective mental health services to those in need.
In response to this concerning statistic, the representative announced the collaborative efforts between the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan. The primary objective of this partnership is to enhance the proficiency of physicians in the psychotherapy department in the areas of diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients.
Concurrently, a cohort of psychiatrists is expressing concern regarding the escalating number of individuals with mental illnesses and the dearth of consultant physicians in the nation. This shortage of specialized medical professionals is a major obstacle in providing proper care to those in need of mental health services.
Simultaneously, the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, coupled with the country’s multifaceted crisis encompassing economic, social, and political turmoil, as well as the imposition of stringent restrictions on citizens by the Taliban, has precipitated a surge in psychological afflictions among the populace. The dire situation demands urgent attention and comprehensive action from the government and international organizations to address the mental health crisis in Afghanistan.
Moreover, the United Nations has previously documented in a report that a substantial proportion of Afghanistani women have experienced mental disorders since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for appropriate mental health services and support for women in Afghanistan.
It is noteworthy to mention that certain media outlets had previously disseminated reports highlighting a significant rise in mental health issues among the Afghanistani population. These reports serve as a wake-up call for the government and international organizations to prioritize mental health care and provide the necessary resources to address the crisis.
