The Ministry of Public Health announced on Thursday that Afghanistan has inaugurated its first national hospital dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, marking a major step forward in the country’s healthcare services.

The facility, named the National Cancer Diagnostic and Therapeutic Hospital, has officially begun operations and will provide specialized care for cancer patients across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Public Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali said the 200-bed hospital aims to offer hope and improved treatment options for patients suffering from cancer.

“Fortunately, we are jointly opening a 200-bed hospital for cancer patients, and we hope that this hospital will become a source of hope and healing for those in need,” Jalali said.

The minister added that specialized training programs will soon be launched at the hospital to educate and train domestic medical specialists. He noted that reforms have already been implemented to improve facilities and ensure better healthcare services.

Jalali also emphasized international cooperation in the project, saying that radiotherapy services will be introduced at the hospital with support from India. According to the ministry, India has so far provided $1 million in assistance, including 10 tons of medicines and medical equipment, to support cancer treatment in Afghanistan.

The opening of the hospital is expected to reduce the need for Afghan patients to seek costly cancer treatment abroad and improve access to specialized care inside the country.

Afghanistan will look to build on a dream start to their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 campaign when they face Malaysia on Friday, January 30, as Group D action continues at the Jakarta International Velodrome.

The Lions of Khorasan opened their tournament in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, producing a commanding 3–0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

That result not only delivered three valuable points but also reinforced Afghanistan’s growing reputation as one of Asia’s most exciting emerging futsal teams following their breakthrough quarter-final finish on debut in 2024.

Head coach Majid Mortezaie will be hoping his side can maintain that momentum against Malaysia, a team eager to bounce back after their opening defeat to reigning champions Iran.

Victory on Friday would put Afghanistan in a strong position to secure qualification for the knockout stage ahead of their final group encounter.

Despite the absence of injured captain Mahdi Norouzi, Afghanistan have shown impressive cohesion and resilience.

Leadership responsibilities have been shared across the squad, with Akbar Kazemi wearing the captain’s armband, while Reza Hosseinpoor has emerged as a key attacking threat after scoring twice in the opener.

Afghanistan’s high-pressing game, quick ball circulation and disciplined defensive structure were all on display against Saudi Arabia and will again be central to their approach.

Malaysia, meanwhile, are determined to respond. Under new head coach Addie Azwan, the Southeast Asian side has spoken of using the tournament as a platform to demonstrate progress despite limited preparation time.

While they fell to Iran in their opener, Malaysia remain capable of causing problems with their energy and willingness to challenge higher-ranked opponents.

For Afghanistan, the match represents more than just another group fixture. It is another step in a journey that has seen futsal rise rapidly in popularity across the country, offering moments of unity and pride for fans at home.

The team’s steady development, built on collective effort rather than reliance on individual stars, continues to win admiration across the continent.

As Group D tightens and the race for the quarter-finals intensifies, Afghanistan know that focus, discipline and belief will be crucial against a motivated Malaysian side.

Fans across the country will not miss a moment of the action. ATN has secured exclusive live broadcasting rights for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, with all matches airing on Ariana Television.

Viewers are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s social media platforms for the latest broadcast schedules and updates.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has launched a $100 million initiative to strengthen food and nutrition security and restore agricultural livelihoods across Afghanistan.

FAO said the two-year program will support more than one million vulnerable people, including returnees from Pakistan and Iran, host communities, and families affected by recent earthquakes and floods.

Over 151,000 rural households will benefit through support for crop production, livestock protection, and livelihood recovery.

Agriculture remains central to Afghanistan’s rural economy but faces persistent challenges such as low productivity, damaged irrigation systems, limited access to quality inputs, and climate shocks.

FAO estimates that in 2026, 17.4 million people will face acute food insecurity, with 4.7 million in emergency conditions, as drought and anticipated La Niña impacts worsen conditions.

The initiative will focus on climate-smart, people-centered approaches, with special attention to women-headed households and the most vulnerable provinces.

The program builds on the long-standing FAO-ADB partnership. Since 2022, ADB has provided about $265 million in grants through FAO, reaching 5.6 million people across the country.

FAO said the initiative aims to link immediate food assistance with longer-term resilience to help Afghan families withstand future crises.