OPERATION SALAM COMMITTEE ON ASSISTANCE TO DISABLED AFGHANS Office of the Co-ordinator for United Nations Humanitarian and Economic A"istance Programmes relating to Aljhanistan GUIDELINES AND PRIORITIES Up.fl SA CvLLECTIOl"-l Geneva, May 1989 Bureau du Coordonnateur des programmes d'assistancc humanitain.' ct cconomiquc des Nations Unics rclatifs a \'Afghanistan FORWARD It gives me great pleasure to introduce the "Guidelines and Priorities for Assistance to Disabled Afghans." The Committee on Assistance to Disabled Afghans (CADA) has done a highly commendable job in producing these guidelines. It is now our collective responsibility to ensure that programmes are conceived, based on the guidelines, that will contribute to the resumption of productive lives by disabled Afghans. The Office of the Co-ordinator for United Nations Humanitarian and Economic Assistance Programmes relating to Afghanistan (UNOCA- Operation Salam) is the focal point for implementation on an accelerated basis of these programmes. Responsible UN agencies are WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, ILO, UNESCO, and UNIFEM among others. These agencies work in close relationship with all the NGOs and PVOs, who have traditionally contributed the sweat and toil that translate research and plans into real achievements. The Guidelines describe a tragic situation caused by the effects of both war­ related disabilities and of crippling diseases such as Polio, TB and Malaria. The guidelines also outline a three pronged approach to deal with the problem. These are 1) Prevention; 2) Medical Treatment and Referral; and 3) Rehabilitation. Currently, all three components are seriously deficient. Afghanistan needs new facilities, skilled medical and para-medical workers, training, and the integration of the few services that do exist. These guidelines provide a blue-print that will set the pattern for our joint efforts on behalf of disabled Afghans. Thousands of children, women and men who need our help to become once again a proud and productive 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on providing assistance to individuals with disabilities in Afghanistan, specifically addressing their health and rehabilitation needs. The guidelines and priorities outlined in the text are related to medical treatment, referral, and rehabilitation, which suggests that the category is likely to be Health or Humanitarian aid and relief.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief