On World Drug Day, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug dependency in Afghanistan, saying that its €26 million support is helping treatment and recovery efforts in partnership with international health organizations.
The funding, directed through the World Health Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, aims to expand community-based programs that address both drug treatment and sustainable reintegration into society. The initiative focuses on reducing drug demand and providing economic alternatives for vulnerable populations, the EU office in Afghanistan said.
“Investing in hope and recovery builds a healthier and more resilient future,” the EU office in Afghanistan added. The program’s priorities include mental health support and job creation, designed to prevent relapse and restore individuals’ roles within their communities.
Long plagued by instability and widespread drug use, Afghanistan has seen increasing challenges in recent years as economic collapse and political turmoil have deepened public health crises.
The European Union says its support has already reached thousands of Afghans battling addiction, with an emphasis on transforming patients into “valuable assets to society and the economy.”
