Inequities and Inequalities Affecting Cancer Nursing Care for Adults in Afghanistan: "Many Patients Have Given Up...

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, beset by decades of war. The aim of this opinion paper is to highlight the intersecting factors that contribute to inequity and inequality in cancer care in Afghanistan with a focus on nursing.

An environmental scan was carried out for multiple sources of information collection including relevant literature, global organization reports and reflections from two senior nurses working in cancer services in Kabul. Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. Attainable actions for supporting cancer care and cancer nursing, are proposed.

Cancer nursing is in a dire state reflecting the political instability in the country, exacerbated by a collapsed economy, limited investment in health services, gender apartheid, educational restrictions and the environment. Of the nurses still in employment, many desire to migrate to high-income countries, primarily for their safety. Currently, the large support that the World Health Organization, relevant non-governmental organizations, donors and international nursing organizations offer, often falls short of improving health equity.

Many inequities in cancer care in Afghanistan are revealed, negatively affecting access to care, treatment options and ultimately, outcomes for people with cancer. Approaches to improve cancer care and services, are proposed.

Nurses globally can support colleagues in Afghanistan by listening to their needs, providing tailored educational opportunities, and advocating for change to challenging working conditions. Additional financial, humanitarian and cancer control support from international agencies, led and informed by Afghanistan healthcare professionals and policy makers, is urgently needed.