The Afghan Red Crescent Society reports that more than 12,000 children with heart disease have been registered in the country, who are waiting for surgery and treatment.

According to a statement released by the charity, the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has referred 24 children with cardiac disorders to hospitals for treatment.

In a meeting attended by Red Crescent officials from Turkey, Qatar, England, Australia, Canada, Germany, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the World Federation of National Populations in Turkey, the head of the Afghan Red Crescent asked the international community to help the people of Afghanistan beyond political issues.

The Afghan Red Crescent Society says that it has provided cash and non-cash assistance to 1,137,810 women across Afghanistan in the past year.