The statements of the World Health Organization about the mental problems of 50% of the population of Afghanistan

In a joint meeting with the presence of the Bureau of Combating Narcotics and International Crimes, the World Health Organization, the European Union, and Japan, the consequences of drug use for the Afghan society have been investigated.

Hanan Balkhi, regional director of the World Health Organization, stated in this meeting that 50% of the population of Afghanistan is facing mental problems.

Balkhi emphasized that this fact affects the quality of life of Afghan people and puts them at risk of using drugs. This meeting is focused on adopting effective solutions to reduce the consequences of drug use.

Rafaela Iodis, head of the European Union delegation in Afghanistan, emphasized the investment in the field of mental health and drug use disorders globally and in Afghanistan, and considered it a shared responsibility of the international community.

The organizers of this meeting say that responsive and executive programs in the field of improving people’s living standards and reducing the consequences of drug use have not yet been implemented. In this meeting, the World Health Organization emphasized the need for prioritization in allocating sustainable budgets to deal with substance abuse and mental health programs in Afghanistan.