The ICRC has been permanently present in Afghanistan since 1987, and the orthopaedic programme was one of its first activities. The first ICRC Orthopaedic Centre opened in Kabul in 1988. More than 90,000 Afghan disabled have been assisted through the Orthopaedic Programme. Today, this programme is the ICRC's largest activity in Afghanistan and the institution is more than ever committed to do its utmost to continue supporting physically disabled Afghans.