UNDP Emphasizes Support for Drug Addicts in Fragile Afghanistan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced on the International Day Against Drug Abuse that amidst Afghanistan’s fragile conditions, it continues to support the health and human rights of individuals who use drugs. The organization stressed the ongoing provision of essential services to reduce the harms caused by addiction.
On Friday, 26 June, UNDP tweeted that, in collaboration with partner organizations, it provides support and treatment services for people suffering from addiction. According to the agency, these efforts are part of a broader initiative to address the country’s drug crisis.
According to the UN statement, programs funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Afghanistan deliver harm reduction services, including opioid substitution therapy (OST), to people who use drugs. These services are specifically designed to reduce the health and social consequences of addiction and improve access to medical care for patients.
Drug use remains one of the most serious health and social challenges in Afghanistan, affecting thousands of its residents. Despite claims by the Taliban administration regarding efforts to combat drug cultivation and production, experts believe that effectively addressing the addiction problem requires sustainable treatment programs, social support, and respect for the human rights of vulnerable individuals.
