The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has reported a significant health crisis, revealing that 14,000 Afghan children are suffering from congenital heart defects. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for medical intervention and support.
Complex Cases Beyond Local Treatment
Kabul 24: Out of the 14,000 affected children, 7,000 have complex heart conditions that cannot be treated within Afghanistan’s healthcare system. ARCS officials indicated that these children require specialized care, which necessitates sending them to countries such as India or Germany for treatment. Abdul Latif Sabet, an ARCS official, emphasized the critical situation, stating, “These cases need urgent attention and cannot be managed domestically.”
Domestic Treatment Efforts
The remaining 7,000 children are currently receiving treatment in eleven domestic hospitals, albeit with long waiting lists. The ARCS is actively working to address these needs, but the scale of the problem far exceeds local resources.
Call for Support
The Deputy Operational Secretary of ARCS has called for increased support from domestic and international organizations, urging businesses and individuals to contribute to the cause. He stated, “The more cooperation there is, the better we can perform,” highlighting the collaborative effort needed to tackle this health crisis.
Broader Humanitarian Actions
In addition to addressing heart defects, ARCS has been involved in various humanitarian initiatives. The organization reported that it has collected 116,259 beggars across the country and identified 5,300 families eligible for monthly cash assistance. This comprehensive approach underscores ARCS’s commitment to alleviating suffering in Afghanistan, where it has operated for 94 years and currently employs 4,605 staff members.
