A Village in Afghanistan Where Most Residents Have Only One Kidney

In a remarkable village in Afghanistan, most residents live with only one kidney, a situation born out of dire poverty and hunger. This article explores the unique health phenomenon in Shenshayba Bazaar, where selling a kidney has become a means of survival for many families. The villagers, struggling under the weight of economic hardship, have turned to this drastic measure to secure food for their children. The arrival of the Taliban has further exacerbated their plight, making it increasingly difficult for them to provide basic necessities. Read on to learn more about this extraordinary yet heartbreaking reality.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 20:16 IST

A Unique Health Phenomenon

Typically, humans are born with two kidneys, and having just one is usually manageable according to medical science. However, there exists a village where the majority of the population lives with only one kidney.

This astonishing reality may surprise you, but it is indeed true. In this village, both men and women rely on a single kidney for their daily lives. Hundreds of residents here share this unusual condition, and the reason behind it is quite shocking.

The Village in Afghanistan

The village where most people have only one kidney is located in Afghanistan, specifically near the well-known city of Herat. This village is known as Shenshayba Bazaar.

If you visit Shenshayba Bazaar and interact with the locals, they may appear normal at first glance, but their bodies tell a different story. Each household shares a similar narrative of having just one kidney.

The Reason Behind One Kidney

The reason for this peculiar condition in Shenshayba Bazaar is both surprising and distressing. It is not due to any genetic defect but rather a dire necessity linked to their food situation.

The residents of this village are facing severe hunger and often lack the funds to buy food. Consequently, many choose to sell one of their kidneys to afford basic meals. Selling a kidney provides them with the means to secure food for their families.

Life Deteriorates Under Taliban Rule

The villagers were already struggling, but the situation worsened significantly after the Taliban took control. They now find it even more challenging to provide two meals a day for their families.

Selling kidneys has become a common practice, and it is relatively easy for them to do so in the black market. They can earn around 200,000 Afghanis for a kidney, which is approximately 250,000 in local currency.

The money they receive from selling their kidneys is primarily used to buy food for their children, ensuring their survival. Most men and women in the village have resorted to this desperate measure.