Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis and its impacts on the mental health of healthcare workers during COVID-19.

Zarmina Islam,Kainat Jahangir,Aiman Rija,Khulud Qamar,Mohammad Yasir Essar,Faisal A Nawaz,Parvathy Mohanan

doi:10.1017/gmh.2022.3

Abstract

Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis has severely impacted the mental health of frontline workers. With the introduction of the Taliban government, ongoing civil unrest, and other forms of violent attacks, healthcare workers (HCWs) continue to provide patient care despite minimal resources. A severe contraction in the economy, poor supply of medications, political turmoil, and insufficient humanitarian aid have added to pre-existing problems. High levels of insecurity and instability as well as decades of traumatic experiences have contributed to increasing mental health challenges amongst frontline workers. Despite the scarcity of mental health services, HCWs continue to persevere with their service to the community. However, inadequate interventions may have serious implications for HCWs bearing the brunt of multiple traumas. Thus, governmental and international involvement is needed to address both the economic and psychological needs of HCWs in Afghanistan.

Highlights

The ‘War on Terror’ is estimated to cost more than US$ 2 trillion, impacting over 40 000 civilian lives in Afghanistan (Knickmeyer, 2021; Reality Check Team BBC, 2021)
The increasing number of civilian casualties and worsening national insecurities are major factors that influence this current state of crisis. Despite such loss, international relief efforts amidst this humanitarian crisis continue to be insufficient for healthcare workers (HCWs), being the most vulnerable targets of violence and mental health issues in Afghanistan (Lucero-Prisno III et al, 2020a, 2020b; Essar et al, 2021; Leahy, 2021)
According to the Ministry of Public Health in Afghanistan, HCWs are bearing the brunt of uncontrolled transmission with 10% of all affirmed cases among healthcare staff, and 53 workers have died as a result of this catastrophe (International Organization for Migration, 2020)

Summary

Introduction

The ‘War on Terror’ is estimated to cost more than US$ 2 trillion, impacting over 40 000 civilian lives in Afghanistan (Knickmeyer, 2021; Reality Check Team BBC, 2021). The increasing number of civilian casualties and worsening national insecurities are major factors that influence this current state of crisis Despite such loss, international relief efforts amidst this humanitarian crisis continue to be insufficient for healthcare workers (HCWs), being the most vulnerable targets of violence and mental health issues in Afghanistan (Lucero-Prisno III et al, 2020a, 2020b; Essar et al, 2021; Leahy, 2021). Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis involves multiple converging systems which makes it challenging during a pandemic to address widening gaps in mental health needs (Essar et al, 2021) Among these are inflation, social and civil unrest, reduced healthcare capacity, infrastructural damage, rampant Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) delta variant, and violent attacks, collectively resulting in high levels of stress in the general population (Essar et al, 2021). As of 11 January 2022, over 158 452 COVID-19 cases and 7374 deaths have been registered (Worldometer, 2022)

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