part of a long and free tradition. With every good wish, Sadruddin Aga Khan GUIDELINES AND PRIORITIES Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION II. PREVENTION OF DISABILITIES A. B. C. Health Education Immunization Early Intervention Ill. MEDICAL TREATMENT AND REFERRAL FOR REHABILITATION IV.REHABILITATION A. Activities of Daily Living 8. Education C. Vocational Rehabilitation, Skills Training and Employment D. Social Integration V. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS List of acronyms * * * * * Page 3 7 7 9 11 14 16 16 18 19 21 23 25 3 I. INTRODUCTION 1. Tens of thousands of people have been disabled through heavy injuries suffered during the war. The problem of Afghans with disabilities has been further compounded by the increasing incidence of poliomyelitis, leprosy, tuberculosis, etc., due to the lack of proper environmental sanitation and poor economic and social conditions in the rural and several urban areas. Due to the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance the threat of physical injuries exists for both the internally displaced persons and for the refugees when returning to their village of origin and resuming their normal activities. The types of disabilities most observed are those of amputees and polio. Less noticeable but still present in large numbers are the mentally ill and the visually and hearing impaired as well as the mentally retarded. The problem of mental illness related to the war may be much greater than previously recognized and cannot be dealt with by existing services. 2. The problem of the disabled Afghans has reached a proportion which requires a significant level of assistance from the international community. Given the magnitude of the problem, priority should be given to service development over data collection in an initial stage. 3. The prevailing situation, both in Afghanistan and in the neighbouring countries of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the rehabilitation and treatment of individuals with disabilities in Afghanistan, particularly those affected by war, poverty, and lack of access to proper healthcare. The focus is on providing assistance to individuals with physical, mental, and sensory disabilities, including amputees, polio victims, and those with mental illnesses. The text highlights the need for international assistance to address the magnitude of the problem.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief