Half of Afghanistan’s population affected by mental distress, WHO reports

The WHO, in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the EU, and Japan, raised concerns about the high levels of mental distress in Afghanistan, affecting 50% of the population, Amu TV reported on Tuesday.

According to the article, the issue was discussed in a session in Vienna, addressing the challenges of mental health and substance use disorders.

It adds that WHO plans to collaborate with the EU and UN to support individuals with these disorders in Afghanistan through 20 centers and 23 outreach teams starting in 2023.

The impact of these conditions on life quality and their link to drug abuse was emphasized by the attendees.

During the session, the EU representative called for global and local investment in mental health and substance use disorder programs.

Afghanistan has been consistently ranked as the world’s unhappiest country, with factors such as unemployment, political instability, conflicts, gender discrimination, poverty, environmental conditions, and low literacy rates contributing to the challenges faced by Afghans.