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

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.

The impact of violence on healthcare workers' mental health in conflict based settings amidst COVID‐19 pandemic, and potential interventions: A narrative review

“…The studies have mentioned total 75 attacks on HCWs in 2019 and an attack on a maternity hospital in 2020 34 . During COVID‐19, the impact of violence on HCWs and the working conditions were significantly exacerbated by limited staff, restricted humanitarian aid, prolonged working hours, and suboptimal preparedness 10 . HCWs face greater instances of exhaustion, stress and burnout, which negatively influence their mental health.…”

“…Awareness sessions and training programs have played a major role in breaking the stigma and encouraging people to seek support. In Afghanistan, WHO and the Interagency Standing Committee produced mental health support guidelines, which were also translated in local languages to expand access 10 . In Palestine, attempts at fostering mental health included distribution of educational material 8 and training provided by the Gaza Community Mental Health Program 8 .…”

“…Several countries have adopted interventions and introduced programs to cater to the growing mental health needs of their population. Mental health hotlines are operational in Afghanistan 10 and Lebanon 11 . Awareness sessions and training programs have played a major role in breaking the stigma and encouraging people to seek support.…”

“…A systematic review including more than 16,000 HCWs from 15 studies reported exacerbation of violence towards HCWs during COVID‐19, and mental health problems to be substantially higher in HCWs who faced Workplace Violence than those who did not 5 . The HCWs face greater challenges in conflict‐based settings, such as Syria, 7 Palestine, 8 Yemen, 9 Afghanistan, 10 and Lebanon 11 . Political instability, economic burden, limited resources, lack of safety and a fragile healthcare system, predispose a complex ordeal difficult for HCWs to navigate through 10 .…”

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan through $10 billion Afghani assets: what are the challenges and opportunities at hand?

“…After withdrawal of international support, Afghanistan's largest health services provider, Sehatmandi, lost its functionality [8]. This crippled the healthcare infrastructure and healthcare personnel organizations, which need to be rebuilt [9]. Assets should be used by the UN and NGOs to first ensure that healthcare facilities are properly supplied and healthcare workers are paid.…”