United Nations in Afghanistan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Afghanistan:

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Video

28 December 2025

From local cotton to global markets: Building export skills in Afghanistan

With support from a capacity-development programme led by UNCTAD and funded by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), a cotton factory in Helmand province is expanding its reach beyond local markets. This video highlights how training in marketing, packaging, and customs procedures is helping a local entrepreneur improve product quality, access international markets, and contribute to economic growth in the community.

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Publication

02 May 2024

INTEGRATED APPEAL FOR AFGHAN RETURNEES FROM PAKISTAN (BORDER RESPONSE AND REINTEGRATION RESPONSE IN AREAS OF RETURN)

The Government of Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan – I” (IFRP-I) that came into effect on November 01, 2023, resulted in a mass return, both voluntary and forced, and deportations of predominantly undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan to their home country. From September 15, 2023, to April 15, 2024, more than 553,000 Afghans returned to their country of origin, including 447,000 undocumented individuals, 11,000 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, and 83,000 Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders, along with other documented Afghans such as asylum seekers or slip holders, issued by UNHCR and its partners in Pakistan. On March 18, 2024, the Government of Pakistan announced the intention to launch a second phase of the IFRP (IFRP-II), to commence on April 15, 2024, targeting the repatriation of the remaining undocumented and documented Afghans, including ACC holders and those registered with UNHCR and its partners in Pakistan. This announcement was made despite concerns from legal experts’ over possible violations of the decree of non-refoulement principles under international law. The UN estimates project another 901,000 Afghans will return to Afghanistan between April 16 to December 31, 2024. However, on April 26, 2024, the Government of Pakistan extended the validity of 1.3 million PoR cards for Afghan refugees living in Pakistan up to June 30. Given the pattern of large-scale systematic human rights violations and discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan, the impact on women and girls deported back to Afghanistan could be severe. To help alleviate the impact of the forced returns, the United Nations and partner NGOs in Afghanistan are launching this Integrated Appeal to respond to emergency needs of returnees at border crossing points (Border Response) as well as recovery interventions in the priority Areas of Return (AoR) to meet the medium- to long-term needs of returnees and host communities (Reintegration Response), using a joined-up nexus approach between the humanitarian and durable solutions efforts. Author: United Nations and Partner NGOs in Afghanistan For queries contact:(Ms) Izora Mutya Maskun at imaskun@iom.int for Border Response (Ms) Farhana Stocker at fstocker@unicef.org for Reintegration Response Plan

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Publication

04 April 2025

2024 UN Afghanistan Annual Results Report

Looking back at the past three years, the trajectory of assistance to Afghanistan highlights the immense adaptability and unwavering commitment of aid partners towards the Afghan people. Despite complex challenges, our collective effort—supported by generous donor contributions and the steadfast engagement of International Financial Institutions (IFIs)—have remained focused on addressing urgent needs while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and stability. In 2022, aid partners mobilized over US$3 billion in humanitarian assistance to stabilize the country and meet critical needs. The adoption of the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) in 2023 marked a pivotal shift towards a more strategic approach, enabling a gradual transition from emergency relief to sustainable solutions that address the root causes of vulnerability.Building on this foundation, in 2024, we championed a joined-up approach among UN agencies, funds, and programmes (AFPs) and our partners. This integrated coordination model strengthens the linkages between humanitarian assistance, basic human needs, and peace efforts. By enhancing operational coordination and advancing strategic initiatives, we have sought to complement political engagement efforts, including the Doha Process. As part of this endeavour, we expanded targeted consultations with donor partners, IFIs, relevant de facto authorities (DFA), civil society, the private sector—including women-led Micro-, Small, and Medium- Enterprises (MSMEs)—and think tanks.Our strategic direction aligns with the recommendations of the Special Coordinator’s Independent Assessment, UN Security Council Resolution 2721, the Afghanistan Coordination Group (ACG) Framework, the UNSFA, and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). These guiding frameworks reinforce our commitment to a principled, needs-based, and sustainable approach to assistance. Our interventions not only address immediate humanitarian and basic human needs but also complement the ongoing Doha Process by fostering dialogue, stability, and mutual understanding.In 2024, I visited 13 provinces to build trust, assess ground realities, and engage directly with communities, key stakeholders, and the DFA. These visits have been instrumental in shaping our interventions and ensuring that our work remains informed by the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people.Stories like Meryem, a female entrepreneur who returned from Pakistan to establish a successful clothing business in Kabul; Sumaya the young girl in Herat, determined to continue her education while scaling up her tailoring company with a grant; and community elders championing literacy classes for women showcase the tangible impact of our collective efforts. Similarly, flood protection walls funded through the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan have safeguarded lives and livelihoods, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in resilience-building measures.None of these achievements would be possible without the extraordinary generosity of donor partners and the critical support of IFIs. Their unwavering commitment has enabled us to implement impactful programmes that not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term economic stability and social resilience.As we look ahead, I invite all partners to reaffirm our shared commitment to sustaining the minimum investment necessary to strengthen the resilience of Afghans. By continuing our collaboration, we can hel ensure that Afghanistan remains on a path towards stability, dignity, and self-reliance for all its people. Indrika RatwatteDeputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC)

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Story

26 February 2026

WHO Afghanistan strengthens emergency care for communities in Balkh

Kabul, Afghanistan, - WHO Afghanistan has been strengthening emergency care services across the country through its Basic Emergency Care (BEC) training programme, enabling frontline health workers to respond faster and more effectively to trauma and life-threatening emergencies. One of the most recent successfully completed training courses was in Balkh Province, where 54 health professionals from Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samangan and Sar-e-Pol provinces enhanced their lifesaving skills with the generous support of the People and Government of Japan.For many communities, district hospitals are the only point of care when emergencies happen. To address this, the BEC training focused on practical, hands-on skills that help health workers quickly assess injuries, stabilize patients and organize emergency response systems to save lives before referral to specialized facilities.Aminullah Safi, an emergency room nurse at Sholgara District Hospital in Balkh, applied the skills gained from the training immediately upon returning to his hospital. He implemented practical actions to reorganize surgical and emergency equipment and strengthen trauma management practices. “Before the training, we did our best with the equipment and knowledge we had,” he said. “Now, the knowledge learned has enabled us to use our existing equipment and limited resources much more efficiently, so people in my district no longer have to wait helplessly during emergencies. We are ready to provide lifesaving care from the moment patients arrive.”“Every minute matters in an emergency,” said Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative to Afghanistan. “By strengthening the skills of frontline health workers and improving emergency readiness in district hospitals, we are helping save lives where people live - especially in communities far from specialized care. This is the real impact of sustained donor support.” Through continued partnership with Japan and other health partners, WHO Afghanistan is bringing lifesaving emergency care closer to families, reducing preventable deaths and helping hospitals stand ready during emergencies. For more information, please contact:Mariam Amiry
RCCE Officer, WHO Afghanistan (Kabul)
Mob.: +93 784100496
E-mail: amirym@who.int

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Story

19 February 2026

Commercializing the seed sector in Afghanistan using cost-sharing electronic vouchers

In Parwan Province, as the autumn planting season approached, Omara Khan stood outside a private seed outlet holding his digital voucher card issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Around him, other farmers wait their turn. This was not a humanitarian distribution line. Each farmer chose certified wheat seed from a local Afghan company, paid part of the cost in cash, and took the seed home for planting.“I have four jeribs of land and wanted to plant wheat, but we didn’t have seeds,” Omara said. “FAO provided us with seeds and covered 50 percent of the cost. We have now learned how to manage on our own. These seeds previously gave us excellent results and high yields.” Under the World Bank–funded Emergency Food Security Project, 21 500 farming households accessed certified wheat seed ahead of the 2025 autumn planting season. Farmers contributed 50 percent of the seed price themselves, while the project covered the remaining half. The initiative operated across 13 districts in nine provinces. Over the next two agricultural seasons, the initiative aims to reach 135 000 farming households in more than 20 provinces.Private Afghan companies produce certified wheat seed, but consistently reaching farmers remains challenging due to their limited presence at the district and village levels, repeated shocks, and limited purchasing power. Women face additional barriers, including restricted mobility, limited access to cash and fewer opportunities to engage directly with suppliers. The initiative responds by combining cost-sharing with targeted delivery arrangements, including women-only service windows and, where needed, home delivery.Under the initiative, farmers received an electronic voucher linked to their identity and redeemed it at an authorized private seed enterprise. The process is managed through FAO’s Identification, Delivery and Empowerment Application (IDEA) digital platform that enables biometric verification, real-time monitoring and transparent tracking of participating farmers nationwide. Early monitoring suggests that farmers have largely accepted the cost-sharing model. Most were able to pay their share using household income or savings, a notable commitment in a context of widespread economic stress. More than 80 percent said they would participate again under similar conditions. However, the experience revealed clear limits: farmers with less cash on hand found it harder to take part, reflecting the uneven financial capacity that persists across rural households.Despite these constraints, the initiative has begun to influence farmer behaviour. Many farmers did not stop at the subsidized quantity, choosing instead to purchase additional certified wheat seed at full market price.In Balkh Province, Jan Aqa, who was not part of the initiative, purchased certified wheat seed directly from a private company after seeing the results on a neighbor’s land. “Our neighbor had used this wheat seed last year and got a good harvest, so I came to purchase these seeds because they are good quality,” he said. “This seed makes good bread, gives good yields and unlike the previous local wheat seeds, which used to get diseases, these seeds do not.”In some locations, private seed enterprises reported that commercial sales outside the initiative reached 40–50 percent of the volumes sold through vouchers. Overall, farmers spent more on certified wheat seed at full market price than they did through the subsidized scheme. In addition to their USD 318 095 contribution under the cost-sharing vouchers, farmers purchased more than USD 331 000 worth of certified wheat seed without any subsidy.Seed companies see demand growOver the past two decades, FAO has supported the development of seed enterprises across Afghanistan. Fifteen high-performing companies were selected to participate directly in this initiative.Shirabad Agricultural and Seeds Production Company in Balkh Province is one of them.“Before seed production companies existed, farmers relied on local seeds and saw very low yields,” said Habibullah, a technical seeds specialist at the company. “The introduction of improved seeds transformed productivity. Where one 50 kg sack of seeds once produced only 10 sacks of wheat grain, it could now yield 35 sacks of wheat grain, and even up to 50 sacks of wheat grain with good farming practices." Participating companies reported increased sales, expanded customer bases and greater confidence in future demand. However, they also noted that affordability remains a barrier for poorer farmers, especially women, who often face additional constraints related to mobility, access to cash and decision-making over household resources. Together, these early signals point toward a seed system that works differently; one where farmers have real choice, private companies grow stronger and wheat production becomes more reliable.Why better wheat production mattersWhile Afghanistan’s seed sector is not yet fully commercialized, early experience suggests that linking farmers directly to private companies can stimulate demand without distorting prices. This matters in a country where wheat is the main staple food and where many families struggle to secure sufficient and nutritious diets. Certified wheat varieties sold through the project are selected for tolerance to drought and common pests. FAO evidence shows that when paired with fertilizer and good agronomic practices, yields can be around 30 percent higher than those achieved with local seed. For farmers like Omara, better access to reliable seed can mean more stable harvests, improved food availability at home and, for some families, surplus grain that can be sold to meet other basic needs.

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Story

15 February 2026

Vaccinating zero-dose children among returning families in Nimroz

Karim, a 38-year-old father of three, has returned to Afghanistan after 13 years in the Islamic Republic of Iran. During those years of moving from place to place, his children never visited a clinic. They had no vaccination cards and therefore had never been vaccinated against measles, polio, or other deadly diseases.“During our displacement, we moved many times and had no access to clinics. My children never received vaccines and I was worried about their health,” Karim told the vaccinator at the Targreshk sub-Health Centre in Khashrood District.The experience of Karim’s children is not unique. Across Nimroz, many returning children are considered “zero dose”, meaning they have missed all routine immunizations. This lack of immunization enables outbreaks to spread quickly and put entire communities at risk.However, in December 2025, everything changed for Karim’s family. Through WHO-supported primary health care outreach services, community mobilizers identified his children and referred him to the Targreshk sub-Health Centre. For the first time, his children were registered in Afghanistan’s national immunization system. They received age-appropriate vaccines and were given vaccination cards - a small piece of paper, but a powerful document that replaces fear and uncertainty with relief and protection.Karim now knows where to go for care. His children are protected against life-threatening diseases and his family is connected with local health services.“Reaching zero-dose children among returning families is critical to preventing outbreaks and protecting the most vulnerable,” said Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to Afghanistan. “With strong community engagement and sustained health support, we can ensure that no child is left behind.”WHO extends its sincere appreciation to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and other generous donors whose timely and generous funding makes this work possible.For Karim, vaccines mean more than an injection. They mean a safe and healthy family.END —Top of FormFor more information, please contact:Mariam Amiry
RCCE Officer, WHO Afghanistan - Kabul
Mob.: +93 784100496
E-mail: amirym@who.int

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Story

23 December 2025

A Lifeline for millions in Afghanistan’s Harsh Winters

In Afghanistan’s remote Pamir and Wakhan valleys, winter is not just a season—for many it is a fight for survival. For poor families living in the deep mountains - isolation, hunger and the bitter cold define life for nine long months each year. When the snow falls, roads vanish and with them, the lifelines that keep thousands alive.Haji Rasool, a community elder from Big Pamir, knows this struggle better than anyone. “We have only three months of summer and nine months of snow,” he says, his voice heavy with exhaustion after walking seven days to reach the nearest WFP distribution point. “There are no roads, no trees, no crops - only some livestock and fragile hope.”“If we don’t receive WFP’s assistance, we do not know where our food will come from.”For generations, his people have lived without a proper road, relying on livestock and trade to survive. But even that is not enough. “We buy two packs of wheat flour in exchange for one sheep,” he explains. “For big families, this is nothing.”Members from his community walk miles to collect three-months-worth of ration from WFP. They ration the wheat flour, pulses, cooking oil, salt and specialized nutritious food for women and children to prevent malnutrition - stretching the supplies for as long as possible. With humanitarian aid dwindling in Afghanistan, it is families like Rasool’s who will suffer most. Last winter was catastrophic. Forty people died - young mothers and children - because they were sick and weak while food and medicines didn’t reach them in time. Malnutrition is rampant, and families often survive on borrowed flour. “Some eat only once a day,” adds Rasool. A Mother’s Fight Against HungerHundreds of kilometers away in Wakhan, 22-year-old Gulnuma fights her own battle. Malnourished when pregnant, she discovered her condition during a clinic visit. “I was put onto WFP’s nutrition programme and received nutritious food every month,” she says. She and her family members often survive on little more than milk tea three times a day. “My husband is unemployed. There is no work, no food and winter is very cold,” she explains. “We have no other option but to live on milk tea.” Despite her hardships, Gulnuma dreams of becoming a midwife - a dream that feels distant in a place where survival overshadows ambition. “I wanted to become a midwife, but it didn’t happen,” she says softly. “I still hope. I want my daughter to go to school and I want her to get proper nutrition.” Her words echo the hopes of countless Afghan mothers who want more for their children than hunger and hardship.For families like Rasool’s and Gulnuma’s, WFP’s food and nutrition assistance especially during the harsh winter months is a lifeline and supporting these families and millions of others in Afghanistan would not be possible without the generous support from our partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Australia, Canada, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), EU Humanitarian Aid, France, Germany (GFFO), Greece, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Private Donors, Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. WFP has historically scaled-up its assistance during the winter months to keep a lid on hunger and malnutrition. But this winter marks a turning point. For the first time in decades, WFP cannot mount a significant response just as needs peak. Without this lifeline, millions face the cold months with little more than fragile hope, as hunger and malnutrition threaten to deepen across communities already on the edge of survival.The consequences will be devastating.Hunger is deepening at an alarming pace across Afghanistan, with food insecurity widening in scale and severity. The country now ranks fourth worldwide for child acute malnutrition and remains one of the world’s most severe hunger crises, with one in three Afghans - 17.4 million people - in urgent need of food assistance. As winter approaches, malnutrition among women and children is expected to spike to levels not seen in recent years.Story by: Ziauddin Safi

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23 December 2025

From Fear to Fairness: How Awaaz Empowers Women

The UN-operated Awaaz Afghanistan hotline (410) is a confidential, toll-free hotline, and a vital component in upholding integrity and human dignity in Afghanistan's complex humanitarian landscape. This essential lifeline ensures the affected population, particularly women facing difficult situations, have a voice to report their concerns and issues. Through swift action and persistent follow-up, Awaaz has restored stolen assistance, corrected a discrimination, and secured urgent protection for families at risk. Awaaz ensures voices are not just heard, but that justice and fairness are delivered, thereby ensuring an accountable humanitarian response.Restoring Stolen Aid: The Fight for 23 Women’s DignityFor women in rural communities, cash assistance is a lifeline for basic survival. In one village, hope turned to dismay when a group of 23 women had their recently received funds forcibly confiscated by local gatekeepers immediately after distribution. Fearing retaliation, one of the rightful female beneficiaries reached out to Awaaz. She articulated a simple, powerful truth: “We are the ones who truly need this support.”Awaaz’s operators documented the confidential complaint and swiftly escalated the case through official accountability channels. Through persistent follow-ups, the stolen funds were recovered and returned to all 23 women, confirming the system is built to deliver justice.Ensuring Fair Access: Righting an Economic OpportunityFor women striving for economic independence, a skills training course is a priceless opportunity. When Ms. Zohra (name changed for confidentiality), a participant in a vital tailoring course, was removed without justification, she faced the loss of her future livelihood. She contacted Awaaz, expressing her core request: “Even if assistance cannot be provided, we ask that we be treated with dignity and respect.”Recognizing this as a clear case of discrimination, Awaaz escalated the complaint to the responsible implementing partner. Following a review triggered by the hotline, the organization acknowledged the error and immediately reinstated Ms. Zohra’s enrollment, restoring her right to equal opportunity.Securing Safe Passage: A Mother and Children SavedIn situations of crisis, the most vulnerable often face the greatest protection risks. Recently deported and stranded without resources in Nimroz province, Ms. Fatima (name changed for confidentiality) and her three young children had nowhere to turn. Desperate and unregistered, she called the Awaaz hotline (410), believing she had no one else to ask.Recognizing the severe protection risk, Awaaz mobilized an urgent response. Through persistent internal and external escalation, the family received AFN 10,000 in emergency aid. This critical assistance enabled Ms. Fatima and her children to secure safe transport home, ensuring they did not "fall through the cracks."“These cases remind us why Awaaz exists. For many women, speaking up comes with fear and risk, yet they still choose to reach out because they believe someone will listen,” said Edrees Omed, Awaaz Project Manager. “When women see that their voices can lead to real change, accountability becomes more than a principle; it becomes a lived reality.”A Shared Commitment to Accountability and ScaleAwaaz Afghanistan is the essential two-way communication channel, ensuring that feedback is used to improve the quality of programming and address systemic issues. The mechanism, established in 2018 by the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), is the country's only interagency complaint and feedback system. The impact is far-reaching:Since its launch, Awaaz has handled over 660,000 calls from all over the country.The call centre has reached more than 4.6 million individuals with critical information and support.Approximately 20% of these calls have come from female callers, demonstrating Awaaz’s success as a safe channel for women.As the managing agency for this vital mechanism, UNOPS highlights Awaaz's strategic role in the entire humanitarian response.“Awaaz is more than a hotline; it is a shared commitment that fundamentally improves the way we deliver aid,” said Katy Webley, UNOPS Country Director. “By giving women a confidential and secure channel, this mechanism improves accountability, enhances aid efficiency, and is essential in protecting them from discrimination, exploitation, and other unjust practices.”The commitment of the UN and its partners is to ensure this vital mechanism remains sustainable, upholding the core promise that every voice, particularly those of the most marginalized, is respected and acted upon.

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Press Release

16 February 2026

New funding pledged for jobs, livelihoods, and basic service delivery in communities across Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (CRLP) was approved for $143 million grant consisting of $95 million approved by the World Bank Board of Directors while the additional $48 million was approved by the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund (ARTF) Steering Committee. Since April 2022, CRLP has created nearly 32 million days of paid work, supporting over 1.3 million vulnerable families, including direct employment for 80,000 women. Communities have rehabilitated or constructed more than 11,000 local assets, stimulating local economies and improving access to health care, education, markets and services for nearly 15.2 million people nationwide.Afghanistan continues to face severe economic pressure following reduced humanitarian and development aid, compounded by climate shocks and the return of around 2.1 million Afghans from Pakistan and Iran in the first seven months of 2025 alone.“CRLP has demonstrated that even in a restrictive and complex environment, it is possible to deliver at scale by working through communities.” - Katy Webley, UNOPS Country Director in Afghanistan“By strengthening local capacity for inclusive aid delivery and sustainability of project interventions, the project has ensured that the most vulnerable people, and women in particular, benefit from all project activities,” she added.CRLP builds on and strengthens the capacity of community institutions to carry out activities related to project planning, implementation, monitoring and facilitating women and vulnerable groups to play an active role in decision-making, thereby ensuring they gain access to services, including health, nutrition, and jobs and livelihoods opportunities. For households unable to participate in cash-for-work activities, CRLP will expand the provision of social grants, ensuring continued support for the most vulnerable. Building on assistance already provided to 182,500 households—57 per cent of them headed by women—the project will further strengthen social protection as communities navigate ongoing economic pressures and displacement.“CRLP delivers multiple benefits for the communities we serve. Beyond direct assistance, the project is increasingly focused on stimulating local economies and strengthening resilience,” said Joyce Dalgliesh, Programme Director for CRLP.
“By prioritizing local procurement and engaging Afghan private sector construction companies, CRLP will continue to generate ripple effects for small businesses and local suppliers.”The project will also scale up support for women’s home-based livelihoods, including poultry farming and kitchen gardening, building on training and start-up support already provided to 18,000 women to further improve food security and household incomes within existing social constraints.At the community level, expanded investments will continue to improve everyday life—from rehabilitated water reservoirs and channels that irrigate farmland to rehabilitated roads connecting remote villages to clinics and markets, while flood protection works will further strengthen communities’ ability to withstand seasonal risks.With this latest financing of $143 million, total funding for CRLP now stands at US$562 million, supporting activities in all 34 provinces and enabling the project to reach millions more Afghans with jobs, essential services and pathways toward resilience.

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Press Release

12 February 2026

FAO, UNICEF and France join forces to strengthen food security and nutrition for earthquake-affected families in eastern Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Government of France are supporting earthquake-affected communities in eastern Afghanistan to restore food security, improve nutrition and protect livelihoods. The EUR 2 million initiative is supported by France under the French Initiative for Food Security and Nutrition (FIFSAN) and focuses on strengthening household food production, improving access to nutritious diets and essential services and reducing malnutrition, particularly among women and children.The project will reach 51 870 people in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where families are still reeling from the August 2025 earthquake amid worsening acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Many households are rebuilding in communities that have seen recent displacement and forced returns, adding strain to already limited land, food and basic services. Implementation will focus on Chawaki and Nurgal districts of Kunar province and Dara-e-Nur district of Nangarhar province, where damage to productive assets has directly undermined families’ ability to feed themselves. At the wider community level, the reach is expected to extend indirectly to approximately 190 000 additional people, as food production, nutrition and essential services are strengthened across districts.The devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage to homes, cropland, food stocks, livestock assets, and critical health, nutrition and WASH infrastructure, compounding an already severe humanitarian situation. In rural areas of eastern Afghanistan, where families depend heavily on farming and livestock for both food and income, the damages and losses incurred have had lasting consequences.“Almost a year after the Nutrition for Growth summit held in Paris in March 2025, eradicating malnutrition in all its forms remains a priority for the French authorities. Through this project, France, FAO and UNICEF show that we can collectively bring concrete solutions for the Afghan people, who are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, and especially women and children” said Salina Grenet-Catalano, Director of Global Affairs at the French Ministry for Europe and foreign affairs. “Food security and nutrition are not only humanitarian and development concerns. They are foundations for peace, social stability and collective security, shared by all.”Through integrated, gender-sensitive and community-based interventions, FAO and UNICEF will work to address both the immediate needs of the affected population and the long-lasting impact of the earthquake on food security and nutrition. The main objective of the project is consequently to reduce malnutrition among women, adolescent girls and children under five, while protecting livelihoods and strengthening local food systems, with a strong focus on women-headed households, pregnant and lactating women and families with young children. Using FAO’s Cash+ approach, the project combines unconditional cash transfers with livestock protection packages, backyard vegetable production, poultry support, technical training and tailored nutrition education. By promoting agroecological practices and safeguarding productive assets, the project aims to prevent negative coping strategies such as distress sales of livestock and essential resources.“When the earthquake struck, many families lost more than their homes. They lost the means to feed themselves,” said Richard Trenchard, FAO Representative in Afghanistan. “For rural communities, recovery often comes down to whether they can keep the few animals they have alive, plant again and get through the winter without giving up what little they have left. For women and young children, that can mean the difference between having enough to eat or going without. Targeted support like this, made possible through France’s commitment to food security and nutrition, gives families the space to recover with dignity rather than being pushed into choices that are difficult to undo.”UNICEF’s complementary interventions will strengthen community-based solutions to improve access to nutritious first foods and prevent child food poverty and malnutrition. The programme will support caregivers through counselling on optimal infant and young child feeding practices, empower youth through skills-development initiatives that generate innovative, locally led first foods solutions, and promote safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to ensure the safe preparation of complementary foods at household level. Where prevention is not sufficient, the programme will also ensure timely treatment for children suffering from life-threatening forms of wasting, helping to protect child survival while building longer-term resilience. “Far too many children in Afghanistan are being driven into malnutrition, and nearly 80 per cent of those affected are under the age of two, a critical window for survival and healthy development,” said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan. “After the earthquakes and repeated shocks that have disrupted households, markets and access to food, the need for nutritious first foods, alongside services to prevent and treat malnutrition, has never been greater. Thanks to the support from France, UNICEF and FAO, with local partners, will strengthen multiple systems to protect young children and mothers from malnutrition and build resilience to future crises.”This joint initiative is part of a broader effort to address the underlying drivers of malnutrition in Afghanistan through agriculture, nutrition, health and water systems. Such coordinated support helps families meet immediate needs while maintaining the foundations for recovery. In a context where gains in food security and nutrition are fragile, targeted investments like this offer a cost-effective way to protect progress and prevent reversals.ContactsFAO Representation in Afghanistan
Giulia Ramadan El Sayed
Communications Sepcialist
giulia.ramadanelsayed@fao.org
UNICEF in AfghanistanDaniel Timme
Chief of Communication
dtimme@unicef.org Directorate for Global AffairsMinistry for Europe and foreign affairs of France secretariat.dgm-dag@diplomatie.gouv.fr

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Press Release

29 January 2026

FAO and Asian Development Bank advance $100 million initiative to boost food security and resilience in Afghanistan

Rome/Kabul – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are implementing a $100 million initiative to bolster food and nutrition security and restore agricultural livelihoods for more than one million vulnerable people across Afghanistan.Over the next two years, the project will support more than 151 000 households (or 1 057 000 people), including returnees from Pakistan and Iran, host communities and families affected by recent earthquakes and floods. The initiative will help rural households restore livelihoods, protect livestock, and rebuild disrupted agricultural production systems.Addressing multiple, compounding crisesAgriculture remains the backbone of Afghanistan’s rural economy, yet it continues to struggle with low productivity, limited access to inputs and restricted market opportunities. Repeated natural disasters have destroyed crops, livestock assets and irrigation infrastructure, while large-scale return movements from neighboring countries have placed additional pressure on already vulnerable host communities.Large-scale life-saving agricultural support and food assistance delivered at the height of the food crisis helped curb acute food insecurity nationwide. However, conditions have since deteriorated again. In 2026, 17.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity, including 4.7 million in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), characterized by wide food consumption gaps and high acute malnutrition. Persistent drought conditions, combined with anticipated La Niña impacts bringing below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures into early 2026, are further heightening risks. With millions of Afghans already facing mounting pressures and at risk of slipping into deeper acute food insecurity and malnutrition, there is an urgent need for sustained investment that goes beyond emergency response to strengthen long-term resilience. This initiative prioritizes climate-smart and people-centered interventions to boost agricultural production, improve food and nutrition security and diversify rural livelihoods. Special attention will be given to the most vulnerable communities, particularly women-headed households and communities in provinces most affected by climate and economic shocks.Fostering sustainable growth in AfghanistanThe project marks another milestone in the strong partnership between FAO and ADB in Afghanistan. Since 2022, ADB has provided approximately USD 265 million in grants through FAO to strengthen agricultural production and curb acute food insecurity across the country.Through this collaboration, FAO has reached an estimated 5. 6 million vulnerable people, supporting more than 841 000 households in restoring crop and livestock production, improving food security and nutrition and stabilizing food supply chains during a period of severe humanitarian crisis.FAO assistance packages have demonstrated strong cost-effectiveness and lasting impact. For around USD 200, a wheat cultivation package can feed a family of seven for an entire year, meeting 70 percent of daily energy needs. Farmers using FAO-certified seeds achieved 27 percent higher yields, with each household producing an extra 360 kg of wheat – enough to feed two additional people annually. These packages also generate sufficient quality seed for three to four subsequent seasons, ensuring lasting gains. Livestock support has increased herd ownership by 50 percent and improved household nutrition through increased milk and meat consumption. “Our partnership with ADB is delivering real, measurable results for farming families across Afghanistan,” said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General. “From the outset, this collaboration has focused not only on meeting immediate food security needs but also on closing Afghanistan’s food production gap and creating space for private sector recovery. With ADB, we have enabled millions of rural households to access the tools and resources they need to grow food, protect their animals and ensure their families have enough nutritious food. This project deepens our shared commitment by expanding support beyond emergency needs toward more diversified, agriculture-based livelihoods, strengthening crop and livestock production, post-harvest activities and market opportunities, with a particular focus on women who play a central role across Afghanistan’s farming and livestock sectors,” he added. By bridging immediate food security support with longer-term resilience-building, the initiative aims to ensure that families not only recover, but are better equipped to withstand future shocks in a highly vulnerable context. Read more about FAO’s contribution to the agricultural sector in Afghanistan.Photos and videos available for broadcasters. ContactGiulia Ramadan El SayedCommunications SpecialistFAO in Afghanistangiulia.ramadanelsayed@fao.orgFAO Representation in AfghanistanFAO-AF@fao.org FAO News and Media(+39) 06 570 53625FAO-Newsroom@fao.org

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Press Release

12 January 2026

WHO welcomes Japan’s continued humanitarian support for health services in Afghanistan

This assistance includes dedicated support to WHO, enabling the Organization to address urgent health needs while strengthening essential health services. WHO’s share of the funding will support the continued delivery of life-saving care for the most vulnerable populations – including women, children and displaced families – with a particular focus on maintaining substance use treatment centres and ensuring the availability of critical emergency medical supplies where they are most needed. “We are thankful to the People and Government of Japan for standing with the people of Afghanistan at this challenging time. Their support helps keep essential health services running, including care for people with substance use problems and emergency medical services. This partnership allows WHO to respond quickly and deliver care to the communities that are most vulnerable,” said Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative to Afghanistan.The Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr Kenichi Masamoto, commenting on Japan's new humanitarian contribution to Afghanistan, said: “Japan is deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Afghanistan and is pleased to support WHO in strengthening essential health services. By prioritizing areas like substance use treatment and emergency care, Japan reaffirms its commitment to the health, resilience and future well-being of the Afghan people.”WHO will continue to collaborate with both national and international partners to strengthen health systems, improve emergency preparedness and ensure that essential services remain accessible to populations in need.WHO extends its thanks to the People and Government of Japan for their ongoing support to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.For more information, please contact:Ajyal Sultany
Head of Communications, WHO Afghanistan (Kabul)
Mob.: +93 784812266
E-mail: sultanya@who.int

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Press Release

16 December 2025

Latest food security report confirms fears of deepening hunger crisis in Afghanistan as winter sets in

Child malnutrition too is projected to rise, affecting nearly four million children in the coming year. With child malnutrition already at its highest level in decades, and unprecedented reductions in funding for agencies providing essential services, access to treatment is increasingly scarce. Left untreated, malnutrition in children is life-threatening with child deaths likely to rise during the harsh winter months when food is scarcest. All key indicators point to a brutal winter season ahead for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable families.“WFP has been warning for months about the clear signs of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and the latest data confirms our worst fears,” said John Aylieff, WFP Country Director in Afghanistan. “Our teams are seeing families skipping meals for days on end and taking extreme measures to survive. Child deaths are rising, and they risk becoming worse in the months ahead.”Afghanistan is bracing for a harsh and unforgiving winter as multiple crises converge. Drought has affected half the country and destroyed crops. Job losses and a weakened economy have eroded incomes and livelihoods. Recent earthquakes have left families homeless, pushing humanitarian needs to new extremes.Forced returns from Pakistan and Iran are further compounding needs, with 2.5 million Afghans sent back to Afghanistan since the beginning of the year, many arriving malnourished and destitute. Nearly as many more are expected to return in 2026.While the crisis deepens, humanitarian aid for Afghanistan is shrinking, leaving millions without the support that has historically curbed severe hunger and malnutrition.“We need to bring Afghanistan’s crisis back into the headlines to give the most vulnerable Afghans the attention they deserve,” added Aylieff. “We must stand with the people of Afghanistan who depend on critical support to survive, and deploy proven solutions towards a recovery with hope, dignity and prosperity.”For the first time in decades, WFP cannot launch a significant winter response, while also scaling up emergency and nutrition support nationwide. With immediate funding, WFP is ready to mount a large-scale winter response—ensuring families can push back hunger and escape falling deeper into crisis.WFP urgently requires US$468 million to deliver life-saving food assistance to six million of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable people—helping them survive the harsh winter.Note to the editor:
High-resolution photos available here.
Broadcast quality footage available here.
Latest IPC report on acute food insecurity available here.
Latest IPC report on acute malnutrition available here.# # #The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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