Afghans struggling with mental health
Minister calls for greater support from aid agencies and partners.
Kabul: Afghanistan is struggling to cope with mental health issues that afflict an estimated two-thirds of its population after decades of violence, the country's health ministry said yesterday, amid commemorations of World Mental Health Day.
"We hope in the future at least one trained [mental] health professional will be working in every health facility and every patient will have the opportunity to be screened and get proper counselling and treatment for the mental health and psychosocial problems," acting Health Minister Suraya Dalil was quoted as saying.
"We hope that the donor agencies and other Afghanistan health partners support us to enhance the mental health of those Afghans who have been affected during the war and conflict years."