In 2020, Afghanistan recorded nearly 5,000 deaths attributed to air pollution, primarily due to respiratory and heart diseases, according to the Afghan Health Ministry. Ministry spokesperson Masouma Jafari reported that 10% of these deaths occurred in Kabul, which was deemed the world’s most polluted city that year.
The air quality index indicated “very unhealthy” conditions in Kabul, particularly at night during winter, with the city remaining among the most polluted in 2021.
Healthcare Strain and Contributing Factors
Dr. Abdullah Ahmadi, head of Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul, noted that the hospital saw over 600 patients with respiratory issues in less than a month, averaging 20 daily cases linked to air pollution.
The National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) identified excessive coal use, emissions from old vehicles, unpaved roads, electricity shortages, high petrol prices, and low-quality fuel as key contributors. These issues are worsened by Kabul’s geography, as its valley location traps pollutants during winter inversions.
Global Context and Local Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 7 million deaths globally each year, with Afghanistan’s 2019 data showing 38,000 deaths (27,000 from household air pollution and 11,000 from ambient air pollution).
In response, Afghan authorities initiated a crackdown in 2020 on businesses burning scrap tires and plastics for heating, a major pollution source. Despite these efforts, NEPA struggles with limited funding and enforcement, receiving less than 1% of the national budget compared to 80% allocated to security.
Health Impacts and Vulnerable Populations
Air pollution in Afghanistan, particularly PM2.5 levels (58.8 μg/m³ in Kabul in 2019), contributes to diseases like lower respiratory infections, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, disproportionately affecting neonates and the elderly.
Women and children face higher risks from household air pollution due to prolonged indoor exposure from cooking and heating with solid fuels.
