Afghanistan NCDs & Mental Health Crisis
- 21 September 2025, Kabul, Afghanistan - Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are taking a heavy toll on Afghanistan's health system.
- Thousands of afghan families face long waiting lists for treatment, with timely life-saving care frequently enough arduous to get, especially in rural areas.
- Cancer also weighs heavily, particularly on Afghan women, with breast and cervical cancers among the top three.
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Rising Noncommunicable Diseases in Afghanistan: A Growing Health Crisis
Table of Contents
21 September 2025, Kabul, Afghanistan – Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are taking a heavy toll on Afghanistan’s health system. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung conditions account for 43% of deaths in the country, a figure expected to rise above 60% by 2030, mainly among women. Substance use and road traffic accidents further exacerbate this burden.
Thousands of afghan families face long waiting lists for treatment, with timely life-saving care frequently enough arduous to get, especially in rural areas. Cardiovascular disease alone claims over 40,000 lives each year, placing Afghanistan among the countries with the highest age-adjusted death rates.
Cancer also weighs heavily, particularly on Afghan women, with breast and cervical cancers among the top three. Sadly, most patients only seek medical help at late stages (Stage 3 or Stage 4) when treatment is far less effective.
The Growing Burden of NCDs: A Deeper Dive
The increasing prevalence of NCDs in Afghanistan is a complex issue rooted in several factors. Years of conflict have disrupted healthcare infrastructure and limited access to preventative care. Changes in lifestyle,including dietary shifts towards processed foods and reduced physical activity,are also contributing. Furthermore, poverty and lack of education exacerbate the problem, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.