Unanswered Questions and Ethical Dilemmas from Afghanistan

Unheard Voices and Enduring Suffering if Women Affected by Violence

Abstract

Based on reflecting on the experience of working with an Afghan widow, this essay unfolds the challenges and dilemmas of providing aid for vulnerable populations whose voices are rarely heard. Though global health policy makers and prac- titioners are fully committed to achieving universal health care, it is easy to overlook the fact that people’s suffering and emotional pain from conflicts and structural violence are multi-layered. The expression of their painful feelings, illness as a result of suffering, and help-seeking are deeply embedded in particular socio-cultural contexts and historical processes. This essay shows the limitations of uncritical applications of Western biomedical concepts in addressing the gap of mental health needs for people affected by violence.