Afghanistan is grappling with an escalating public health crisis as synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine, surge in popularity. A new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights the significant gaps in Afghanistan’s treatment infrastructure. It underscores urgent issues related to access, resources, and gender disparities.
Gender Disparities and Access Barriers
The Mapping of Facilities for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders in Afghanistan reveals a disturbing gender imbalance in treatment availability. Although there are 82 operational treatment facilities across 32 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, only 17% cater exclusively to women. In many provinces, services for female patients are virtually nonexistent, leaving women with limited access to the care they need. The report stresses that gender disparities continue to hinder progress, exacerbating the crisis for female drug users.
STRAINED RESOURCES AND INSUFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
Afghanistan’s substance use treatment facilities face a severe lack of resources. Over 72% of centers operate at or near full capacity. Many lack basic life-saving medications like naloxone, which is used to treat opioid overdoses. Inadequate infrastructure and medical personnel shortages further compound the issue, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for care.
Moreover, community-based care, a more cost-effective and accessible treatment alternative to residential models, remains underdeveloped. The existing residential facilities are essential but resource-intensive. They disproportionately affect rural populations. These populations are often underserved and isolated from essential care options.
SHIFT TO SYNTHETIC DRUGS: A RISING THREAT
While opiates like heroin and opium have long been the primary drivers of treatment admissions, the landscape is rapidly changing. The report highlights a troubling rise in methamphetamine use, which now accounts for an increasing share of drug-related admissions. This shift puts additional strain on the already limited treatment resources, as synthetic drugs require specialized care that Afghanistan’s facilities are ill-equipped to provide.
This rise in synthetic drug use coincides with a notable decline in opium production. In 2024, Afghanistan produced 433 tonnes of opium—an increase of 30% from 2023, but still 93% lower than 2022 levels. This decline follows the enforcement of a nationwide drug ban by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities. Still, the report warns about new risks. The reduction in opium production will lead to the local manufacturing of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine. This shift poses new challenges to public health.
URGENT CALL FOR COORDINATED ACTION
The UNODC report stresses the need for coordinated international action to tackle this crisis. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, emphasized that international efforts must ensure the decline in opium production is not replaced with an increase in synthetic drug production. Afghanistan’s de facto authorities need to urgently act. They should work with international partners to combat the spread of methamphetamine. Together, they must address the systemic gaps in treatment services.
EXPANDING SERVICES AND ADDRESSING CRITICAL GAPS
The report outlines several key recommendations to improve Afghanistan’s response to the growing drug crisis:
- Gender-sensitive services: Expanding facilities that cater to women and addressing gender disparities in access to care.
- Community-based care: Developing and scaling up community-based care models, which are more accessible and less resource-intensive than traditional residential care.
- Resource investment: Increasing investment in medical supplies, infrastructure, and workforce training to improve the quality of treatment services.
- Targeted interventions: Addressing the rise of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine through targeted health interventions and public education campaigns.
