Millions of Afghans now have access to basic services that they never dreamed existed.Many of them are carrying heavy psychological burdens from accumulated exposure to conflict and from problems with relationships locked up privately in their own homes.

The European Union is one of three international actors (alongside the World Bank and USAID) to have given major support to the build-up. It's unique in standing at the forefront of the effort to include mental health provision in the basic services Afghans now receive.