WHO Sends 25 Tons of Essential Cancer Medicine to Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the delivery of 25 tons of essential cancer medicines and non-communicable disease (NCD) kits to several healthcare centers in Afghanistan. This initiative aims to support medical services for thousands of patients.
According to the WHO’s official page on the social media platform X, these supplies were distributed to the National Cancer Hospital and the cancer ward of Aliabad Hospital in Kabul, as well as to three regional cancer treatment centers in the provinces of Nangarhar, Balkh, and Herat.
The shipment includes vital chemotherapy drugs and special kits for the treatment of non-communicable diseases. NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases are among the leading causes of death in the country, and limited access to specialized services has made treatment challenging for patients.
The WHO added that the cost of the non-communicable disease kits was funded by the European Union delegation in Afghanistan, and it is estimated that 16,200 patients will benefit. Additionally, the cancer medicines are expected to enable treatment for 13,130 patients over the next six months.
Afghanistan’s healthcare system has faced shortages of facilities, equipment, and financial resources in recent years, forcing many patients to undertake costly travel abroad for treatment. Support from international organizations is considered vital to sustaining essential healthcare services in such circumstances.
