The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently warned that the increase in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory problems among Afghan women is alarming.
In a report published on Monday (September 22), the organization stated that breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers among Afghan women, and that cardiovascular diseases alone claim the lives of more than 40,000 people in Afghanistan each year.
WHO expressed concern, emphasizing that most patients only seek treatment at advanced stages, when the effectiveness of treatment is significantly reduced.
The organization also noted that more than half of the families returning from Iran and Pakistan are facing psychological disorders.
It added that mental illness is a “silent killer” among Afghan citizens.
According to the report, one in five Afghans suffers from a mental health problem, and in the past year, more than half of the returning families struggled with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Nevertheless, provincial hospitals and primary care services still lack mental health support, leaving many of the country’s vulnerable populations without care.
Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, said: “Across Afghanistan, millions live with the daily burden of chronic diseases and mental health challenges—an issue that places enormous pressure on a fragile health system.”
The organization had previously warned about the rise of malaria in the country as well.
