Afghanistan International: Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered the collection of mentally ill patients across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, the group announced. The announcement has raised concerns, given the Taliban’s previous treatment of vulnerable people. Last October, Taliban members shot dead a 22-year-old mentally ill man who had blocked them from entering his
By Firuza Azizi and Farangis Najibullah Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty July 29, 2025 Rakhshana stopped going to school as a young girl in Kabul when the Taliban-led government banned education for girls beyond primary school. Then she enrolled at a private center that offered English language classes. But that too was taken away when the
Ariana: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the absence of mental health services in provincial hospitals across Afghanistan, despite a critical need among the population. The organization reports that all 34 provincial hospitals in the country currently lack specialized mental health facilities. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: The investigative report by the Hasht-e Subh Daily, based on findings from seven provinces across the country, reveals that following the Taliban’s imposition of restrictions on women’s education, academic pursuits, and employment, many women and girls have turned to various addictive substances. Girls and women in these provinces state that the use of tobacco
Ariana: Afghanistan has ranked last out of 147 countries in the 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report released Thursday. Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Denmark, Iceland and Sweden followed Finland in the ranking. According to the new World Happiness Report, Afghanistan lost approximately 2.7
8am: Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, girls and women in the country, particularly in Badakhshan province, are experiencing the harsh reality of not being able to attend school or university and the violence perpetrated by the group. These factors have led to an increase in forced marriages and mental health issues among girls and
Khaama: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a warning regarding the high maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan, stating that the country urgently needs 18,000 midwives. The organization has warned that failing to address this urgent need in Afghanistan endangers many lives. Globally, UNFPA estimates that 900,000 skilled (trained) midwives are needed, with the
Khaama: The Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health has reported an increase in malaria cases in Afghanistan, with approximately 50,000 incidents recorded in the first six months of the current year. Sharafatzaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the ministry, stated on Monday, July 8th, that the number of malaria patients has increased by 69% compared to last year
Khaama: Officials from the Mental Health Department of the Herat Regional Hospital have reported a concerning increase in the number of women suffering from mental illnesses. According to the report, at least eighty per cent of those seeking help at the Herat Psychotherapy Hospital are women and girls. According to a United Nations report, since
Farkhunda Paimani Meena Barek VOA News April 6, 2024 WASHINGTON — The past 2½ years have been “very tough” for 28-year-old Maryam Maroof Arvin, as she has been “deprived of all her rights” under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Arvin was a master’s degree student in a private university in Kabul in December 2022 when the Taliban,