CHARIKAR CITY (SW) – Residents of the provinces of Parwan, Kapisa, and Panjshir have told Salam Watandar that the prevalence of goiter (known locally as “Jaghur”) among women in these areas is increasing.
Women in rural regions, due to lower awareness, are particularly affected by the disease compared to men.
Pary Gul, a resident of Panjshir, shared her experience with the disease: “I have had goiter for several years now; I can’t go anywhere because I feel embarrassed. The public hospitals should be equipped to perform surgeries, but we can’t afford private clinics. The constant worry and stress are killing me. Sometimes my family tells me I have a nerve problem.”
Fawzia, another Panjshir resident, also talks about her struggle with goiter: “I suffer from goiter. I become anemic, feel nervous, and my hands and feet go numb. I take iron supplements twice a month. On top of that, I lose my beauty, and for women who want to have children, all the vitamins in their body decrease, which can lead to birth defects or paralysis in their babies. Ultimately, it harms the child.”
Mubashir, a resident of the village of Qomchagh in Siyah-Gird district, Parwan, says that the disease has claimed the life of one of his relatives and several others in his family are also suffering from it. “One relative had surgery, but it wasn’t effective. She died from this illness. Many people around here are affected but can’t afford treatment. This disease has caused much suffering. My request to the government and the Ministry of Public Health is to send doctors to raise awareness in the area.”
In Kapisa, Safiullah Yosufi, a resident of the village of Heroki, Kapisa province, emphasizes the high cost of treatment for goiter and says citizens need to be educated about preventive measures. “A cousin of mine has goiter and is close to losing his sanity. He avoids socializing with people and wants to be isolated. Awareness must be raised, and a department should be set up in the Kapisa provincial hospital to offer free treatment to the public.”
Meanwhile, Mozamel Azad, an internal medicine specialist at Parwan Provincial Hospital, explains that the symptoms of goiter in women and men are different, and anyone showing symptoms should seek medical advice. “Goiter is a gland that plays a role in the body’s metabolism. It produces hormones that can directly affect the body’s metabolic functions. The patient may complain of heart palpitations, skin issues, and hair loss.”
It is important to note that goiter is most commonly characterized by increased heart palpitations and a decreased libido. Raising awareness through health organizations is the most important step in combating this disease.
