The European Union (EU) announced that the organization allocated €16 million for improving mental health and drug use disorders services for the vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.
It is reported that the mentioned amount would be utilized through World Health Organization’s (WHO) assistance program.
EU in a statement published on Wednesday, December 14, wrote that drug use is usually associated with increased vulnerabilities in many aspects of life that result in negative social and health consequences.
“To address drug use and its related disorders in Afghanistan, WHO will increase the citizens’ access to drug use disorder and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services”, the statement further reads.
“Drug use disorders need to be considered primarily as health problems rather than criminal behaviours”, says Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan.
Dr Luo Dapeng stressed that the EU funding will enable WHO to provide an effective and integrated drug treatment programme for the vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.
Raffaella Iodice, EU Chargé d’Affaires said that the EU remains deeply committed to supporting the Afghan people.
Raffaella Iodice also added that many people in Afghanistan suffer from mental health disorders after years of conflict and political changes in the country.
Raffaella Iodice stressed that the EU’s assistance to Afghanistan would cover the most vulnerable segments of the population, including women, girls, minorities, internally displaced persons and refugees.
EU assistance would be channelled through UN agencies or non-governmental organizations, emphasized Raffaella Iodice.
