Afghanistan’s Silent Health Crisis: How Air Pollution Threatens Lives and What Can Be Done”

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – As winter approaches, residents in Afghanistan’s major cities, particularly Kabul, find themselves battling swooping temperatures and a silent killer: air pollution. Despite official claims that current air quality levels are not “alarmingly dangerous,” local doctors say they are witnessing a noticeable surge in pollution-related illnesses, ranging from respiratory infections to heart complications. With millions of Afghans relying on low-quality fuels to heat homes and cook meals, experts warn that these health threats could escalate if immediate interventions are not implemented.

A Spike in Pollution-Linked Diseases

In Kabul’s congested neighborhoods, packed with makeshift heating systems and poorly ventilated homes, medical professionals are seeing more patients with severe coughs, shortness of breath, and even cardiovascular complications. Dr. Anwarulhaq Yousufzai, who works in a busy children’s hospital, reports a rising number of young and elderly patients suffering from respiratory problems directly linked to poor air quality.

“We are seeing more cases of pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and other inflammatory illnesses,” says Dr. Yousufzai. “Because many people rely on low-grade fuels like unfiltered coal or even used tires and plastic for warmth, the air pollution in winter becomes particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, and older adults.”

During the summer, UNICEF warned that more than 40% of deaths among Afghan children under the age of five—those linked to respiratory illnesses—could be attributed to poor air quality. This alarming statistic highlights the harmful effects of airborne pollutants on vulnerable populations.

Government Perspective  

The Taliban’s Environment Directorate is responsible for reducing air pollution and asserts that Kabul’s air quality is currently “under control.” They reference statistical data showing slight improvements compared to previous years. Officials report that they regularly inspect factories, bakeries, and high-rise buildings, which are significant sources of smoke. They state that they are addressing pollution by implementing basic filtration systems.

However, budgetary constraints and outdated monitoring equipment remain formidable obstacles. According to Ahmad Faisal Baryalai, who leads the directorate’s inspection department, only one central air-quality monitoring device remains operational in Kabul. The rest have deteriorated, leaving authorities with incomplete data and limited capacity to gauge air pollution levels across the sprawling city.

“We used to have multiple monitoring stations across Kabul, but many have broken down. We’re now relying on just one device in our central facility,” Baryalai explains. “We’re working to fix existing units and install modern stations in major towns.”

Regional Factors and Cross-Border Pollution

Afghanistan also faces significant challenges due to broader regional realities. Environmental experts, including climatologist Najibullah Sadeed, emphasize that pollution from neighboring countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh can drift into eastern Afghanistan, adding to the situation’s complexity. Satellite images demonstrate that smog resulting from large-scale agricultural burning and industrial emissions in South Asia can travel hundreds of kilometers, adversely affecting Afghanistan’s air quality, even in areas that do not have the heavy traffic and factories typical of capital cities.

Tackling the Crisis: Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions

Abdulhadi Achakzai, an environmental activist who has represented Afghanistan at various UN climate conferences, emphasizes that the country requires both immediate and long-term interventions to address its air pollution crisis.

Short-Term Measures:

• Enforce stricter environmental regulations on polluting industries and high-rise apartment complexes.
• Mandate installing effective filtration systems in factories, bakeries, bathhouses, and high-rises.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the health risks of burning low-quality fuels.

Long-Term Initiatives:

• Implementing Cleaner Energy Sources: Introducing gas pipelines and renewable energy projects in densely populated urban areas.

• Investing in Pollution Control Technology: Developing technologies that capture and neutralize airborne pollutants.

• Reforestation and Green Belts: Planting trees and creating green belts in and around major cities to absorb pollutants and enhance air circulation.

“People are spending less on quality fuel but are ending up paying much more in medical bills,” Achakzai observes. “We must demonstrate that cleaner energy is not only beneficial for the environment—it’s essential for their health and finances.”

Looking Ahead

For millions of Afghans, the battle against air pollution is not merely a matter of policy or statistics; it is a daily struggle manifested in rising medical expenses, frequent hospital visits, and the sorrow caused by preventable illnesses. While the Taliban’s Environment Directorate asserts that the situation is “manageable,” health professionals and environmental experts warn that the reality of the crisis may be far worse than current data suggests.

If international donors, Afghan authorities, and local communities do not take swift action, this winter could severely impact public health—especially among children, expectant mothers, and older people. As Achakzai states, “Afghanistan has endured decades of turmoil; combating air pollution is one fight we cannot afford to lose.”