The EU extends its support to WHO and UNODC to further advance mental health and drug use disorder services delivery in Afghanistan. Photo credit: WHO/A. Karar

25 October 2023, Kabul, Afghanistan – The European Union (EU) has allocated an additional €10 million (equivalent to 800 million Afghani) to improve mental health and address drug use disorders in Afghanistan.

This additional EU funding will ensure that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) can widen access to mental health support and drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation services for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan, including women and girls.

“The EU feels very strongly about improving the health and well-being of the people in Afghanistan,” affirmed Raffaella Iodice, EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i. to Afghanistan. “It is important that those persons who struggle with mental health and drug use disorders have access to comprehensive health services and that they are helped to reintegrate into society. That is why the EU has decided to increase our funding to our partners WHO and UNODC. With this additional funding, more people in need will be reached.”

“The EU’s support is essential in facilitating access to mental health support and drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation services for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan,” emphasized Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan. “This additional €10 million in funding will significantly enhance our endeavours to tackle the existing mental health and drug use disorder challenges among these populations, thereby enabling us to deliver the requisite care and support they rightfully deserve.”

Afghanistan has nearly 4 million drug users – roughly 10% of the population. The worsening drug crisis has left most of the country’s drug treatment and rehabilitation centres struggling to cope, and drug users without access to treatment.

“The additional funding is crucial in addressing drug use and its related disorders in Afghanistan by increasing access to integrated, evidence-based and human rights-oriented drug treatment and rehabilitation services,” said Anubha Sood, UNODC Representative in Afghanistan.

Background

The EU’s ongoing commitment reflects its dedication to promoting health and well-being in Afghanistan. By working with WHO and UNODC, the EU aims to create sustainable solutions that address complex issues surrounding mental health and drug use disorders in the country.

The initial funding provided by the EU in 2022 played a pivotal role in strengthening mental health and drug use disorder services in Afghanistan. Through cooperation with WHO and UNODC, initiatives helped to enhance the quality and availability of these crucial services. For example, the EU-funded project has been instrumental in supporting the renovation and establishment of several drug addiction centres across the country. Additionally, health workers throughout Afghanistan have undergone comprehensive trainings in mental health and drug disorders management, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to provide effective care and support to individuals in need.

For more information, please contact:

Joy Rivaca Caminade, Head of Communications, WHO Afghanistan
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Nourhan El-Nagdy, Donor Communication Officer, WHO Afghanistan
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Fatma Ismetova Usheva, Social Affairs Officer, UNODC Afghanistan
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Tim Gillmair, Press and Information Officer, EU Delegation to Afghanistan
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