Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice says it has identified 5,871 people with mental health conditions across the country over the past three months.
In a statement, the ministry said its officials had referred those identified to the Afghan Red Crescent Society for treatment.
The Taliban’s leader has ordered the collection of people with mental disorders, with authorities saying the aim of the directive is to protect vulnerable individuals, prevent potential threats linked to mental illness, and facilitate access to medical care.
However, it remains unclear under what conditions those gathered by the Taliban are being held, or what kind of treatment they are receiving.
the announcement comes after the Taliban previously launched a wide-ranging campaign to remove beggars from Afghan cities. Despite these efforts, begging remains widespread amid worsening poverty and unemployment.
Mental health disorders are considered common in Afghanistan after decades of war and instability. Many people suffering from psychological conditions lack access to basic healthcare, while those with severe disorders are often left living in dire circumstances.
