AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Union (EU) have successfully completed the renovation of a 100-bed drug addiction treatment center located in the city of Kandahar.
The EU-funded project puts an emphasis on increasing access of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan to qualitative and comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and drug use disorder services.
Through the EU-funded project, the center’s upgraded facilities are now better equipped to support Afghan people in need through addiction recovery programs and rehabilitation options.
Improvements to the existing drug addiction treatment facility will support Afghans with a holistic approach that empowers vulnerable people from Kandahar and neighboring provinces.
Moreover, the holistic approach of the treatment program is essential in addressing drug abuse and its related mental and physical disorders and deaths.
Highlighting the significance of the renovation project, Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, said: “The WHO acknowledges the strategic support of the EU and other partners in providing integrated, qualitative, and comprehensive drug use disorder and mental health and psychosocial support services.”
The renovation of the drug addiction treatment center in Kandahar comes as part of the joint World Health Organization and United Nations Organization for Drugs and Crime project, with financial support from the European Union.
The joint World Health Organization and United Nations Organization for Drugs and Crime project was launched in December 2022.
As part of this project, the EU allocated €16 million (US$ 17.60 million) to the World Health Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The project aimed at ensuring vulnerable populations in Afghanistan, including women, girls, minorities, internally displaced individuals, and refugees, can access integrated and comprehensive mental health and drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation services.
Backed by the European Union, the joint effort will ensure the transformation of several treatment centers in different provinces, with a focus on improving the health and well-being of the people of Afghanistan.
The European Union, UNODC, and WHO extended their strategic cooperation on the implementation of the Kandahar renovation project, reinforcing their work to address the immediate needs of people towards achieving universal health coverage.
Commenting on the successful renovation project, Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, said: “The opening of the DATC in Kandahar brings drug treatment closer to vulnerable populations and highlights our continued commitment to address the overall health of Afghans.”
Hence, the transformed Kandahar facility is designed to provide quality drug treatment programs that help restore and maintain the physical, mental, social, psychological, and economic well-being of vulnerable Afghans.
The holistic approach of the program will play a crucial role in providing the required attention to vulnerable Afghans to reduce negative social and economic consequences such as unemployment, discrimination and stigmatization, crime, and violence.
Speaking on drug harm reduction approaches, Dr. Luo Dapeng asserted: “Drug use disorders need to be considered primarily as a health problem rather than criminal behavior.”
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