People with disabilities

Almost 800 000 Afghans are living with a severe disability. Poor conditions for healthcare, a long history of conflict, land mines, congenital disabilities, and malnutrition, are the key contributors to high rates of disability.

People with disabilities are vulnerable and can face stigma. This means they have less opportunities to get an education, earn a living or participate in society. Women are doubly vulnerable.

To tackle this, SCA has supported people with disabilities through physical rehabilitation, livelihood projects, and education, to enable them to become contributing members of society. Just over 20,000 people received physiotherapy in 2022 and 18,000 patients received orthopedic aids such as crutches, orthoses, prostheses and wheelchairs. To empower people with disabilities economically, SCA offered vocational training and interest-free loans. Children were supported through special and inclusive education.