Hanan Balkhy, the Regional Director of the World Health Organization For the Eastern Mediterranean, said that half of the Afghan population struggles with psychological distress.

Speaking at a meeting titled “Deepening crisis: Mental health and substance use disorders paralyzing Afghan society” convened by the WHO, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union (EU) and the Government of Japan during the 67th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Hanan Balkhy said that this situation affects the productivity and quality of life of Afghans.

“An alarming 50% of Afghanistan’s population grapples with psychological distress, which affects productivity as well as quality of life,” he added.

According to the WHO statement, 140 people attended this meeting in person and virtually.

According to WHO, the session emphasized the immediate need for coordinated action to confront the stigma and discrimination around people suffering from drug use disorders and mental health issues.

Mr Jean-Luc Lemahieu, director of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs at UNODC, in this meeting said support for opium farmers with alternative livelihood options, along with health measures for treating individuals with substance use disorders, are essential for achieving sustainable solutions in Afghanistan.

Raffaella Iodice, the EU Chargée d'Affaires to Afghanistan, at the meeting called prioritizing investment in mental health and drug use disorders globally and in Afghanistan a shared responsibility.

The WHO stated that the Vienna meeting concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders at the meeting to cooperate in support of mental health services and substance use disorders in Afghanistan.