KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it has trained 55 health workers, including 43 women, in Balkh on the timely diagnosis and referral of non-communicable diseases.
The organization stated today (Sunday, April 19) that these individuals received training on the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and common cancers.
The World Health Organization said that this training helps bring life-saving care closer to communities.
According to reports by the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases place a heavy burden on Afghanistan’s healthcare system, with illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases accounting for 43 percent of deaths in the country.
The organization has predicted that the mortality rate from non-communicable diseases in Afghanistan will rise to 60 percent by 2030.
The World Health Organization has called for increased awareness, strengthened services, and greater coordination to address non-communicable diseases in Afghanistan.
The warning comes as the country’s healthcare system faces mounting challenges, including shortages of trained medical staff and limited access to quality medicines. International aid has sharply declined since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, further straining the health system.
Restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women, including bans on female education and employment in the health sector, have worsened the situation, reducing the number of female healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in providing services to women and children.
Meanwhile, the need for urgent healthcare assistance remains widespread. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will need health services in 2026. Humanitarian actors plan to reach half of them, with an estimated $190.8 million required to fund these efforts. The aid provided by WHO and other organizations highlights the critical role of international support in addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing health crisis.
Strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers, especially women, is considered a critical step toward improving early detection and access to treatment, particularly in underserved areas where communities face limited access to essential health services.
