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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31 August 2025

Wakhan Corridor: UN and Partners Join Forces to Reach Afghanistan’s Most Remote Communities

The Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province is more than a breathtaking landscape – it is a region of strategic importance, and the United Nations, together with its partners, is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, even in the most remote corners of Afghanistan. From 18 to 20 August 2025, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC) Indrika Ratwatte, visited Wakhan alongside Mr. Cenk Ünal, the Chargé d’Affaires of Türkiye in Afghanistan. The delegation met with local communities and de facto authorities, reviewed ongoing projects, and assessed the needs and priorities of the people. “The impact of the UN and its partners here is powerful, moving from emergency relief to building resilience and lasting community infrastructure,” said Mr. Ratwatte. “The Wakhan Corridor is not only beautiful, but also strategically vital for ensuring access to some of Afghanistan’s most remote communities. For years, its people were isolated and marginalized, but today our priority is making sure the most vulnerable are reached.”Working Together with CommunitiesCommunity engagement is at the heart of every initiative – ensuring that local people feel ownership of the projects and services that directly affect their lives. “Türkiye stands with the people of Afghanistan, including in its most remote and hard-to-reach areas. The Wakhan Corridor shows how important it is for the international community to work together to bring services, education, and livelihoods closer to the people,” said Mr. Ünal.Agriculture and livestock are the main sources of income in Wakhan. Over the years, UN-supported projects – such as irrigation systems, watershed construction, forestry programmes, nutrition, healthcare, and education – have improved lives and livelihoods. But challenges remain. The rugged terrain, frequent landslides, flash floods, and harsh winters isolate Wakhan for more than half the year, cutting communities off from the rest of Badakhshan province. “Winters last more than six months here,” explained Mohammad Ibrahim, a local elder. “During this time, we are cut off, unable to travel, and face great hardship.”Education and Hope for the FutureDespite the difficult conditions, children in Wakhan walk for hours across the mountains to reach school. However, ongoing restrictions on girls’ education have left many young women without opportunities.“But we still hope. Life skills education and vocational training projects can open new doors,” shared 29-year-old Anis Gul during a meeting with the UN delegation. She and others in the community called on the UN and its partners to support women and girls with practical training and resources to generate income and build sustainable livelihoods. Building Alternative LivelihoodsAs part of its counternarcotics efforts in the country, the UN is working closely with farmers to promote alternative livelihoods in Wakhan. These efforts include distributing certified seeds, improving irrigation, creating orchards, and building greenhouses. “Our aim is to ensure farmers have sustainable alternatives,” said Mr. Ratwatte. “Alongside this, we are expanding healthcare, drug treatment services, and vocational training programs for women and girls, empowering them to support their families and strengthen their communities.”

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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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23 December 2025

“I Don’t Let My Disability Define Me”: Jan Mohammad’s Story in Afghanistan

Living in a small house built of mud and bricks with his wife, daughter, and four sons aged between five and 14, his everyday life is a constant struggle to provide for his family and to keep hope alive.Two decades ago, Jan Mohammad’s life changed forever when he was caught in crossfire. The incident left him with serious leg injuries, creating a permanent obstacle to walking and working as he once did. After a long recovery process, Jan Mohhamad started learning to weave carpets in a factory – a job which he could manage with the physical disability affecting his legs. However, when a landmine later exploded near his home and he lost three fingers from his left hand, he could no longer pursue carpet weaving as a profession. Despite the severity of the multiple incidents he has survived, Jan Mohammad has never been defeated by his disabilities. On the contrary, he is determined to do everything possible to support his family and ensure his children receive an education, despite the significant socioeconomic barriers.“What matters most to me is having a job to support my children so that they can learn and dream of a future I never had,” said Jan Mohammad. In Afghanistan, Jan Mohammad’s story is one shared with countless others. Decades of conflict have led to many Afghan people suffering from injury, trauma, psychosocial distress and interrupted healthcare. Accidents resulting from explosive ordnance, but also diseases like polio, limited access to prenatal and maternal care and overall poor healthcare services have resulted in a high number of persons with disabilities that might have otherwise been treated. UN OCHA’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP 2025) underscores the significant socio-economic challenges faced by households headed by persons with disabilities in Afghanistan. These households experience an unemployment rate that is about five times higher than the national average, and increased rates of child labour, affecting 31% of these households compared to 15% nationally. They also report the highest average debt levels, amounting to AFN 52,498 (USD 783) compared to the national average of AFN 37,433 (USD 558). In terms of food security, 35% of households headed by persons with disabilities report poor food consumption scores, and 41% experience moderate hunger. Such socioeconomic barriers not only limit access to basic services but also perpetuate inequalities, leaving persons with disabilities and their families further behind. Struggling to walk and unable to weave carpets, Jan Mohammad was left feeling alone. Yet, he did not give up. “I don’t let my disability define me,” he says. Despite the significant hardships he faced he persevered in seeking daily employment, driven by his determination to stand on his own and provide for his family. In July 2025, Jan Mohammad began to feel hopeful when he heard about a Cash-for-Work (CfW) programme launched by UN-Habitat with support from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the CfW programme was part of the Project for the Improvement of Living Environment for Vulnerable People in Urban Areas. The CfW initiative provided short-term income-generating opportunities to families in vulnerable situations, with the objective of helping them meet their most immediate needs. As is the case in many informal settlements across Kabul, Jan Mohammad’s community faced challenges such as uncleared waste clogging the drainage systems and uneven roads, leading to serious safety, health and hygiene concerns. CfW activities were designed to address these issues by road levelling, drain cleaning, and the removal of accumulated waste. Through this project, 50 people including Jan Mohhamad were provided with employment for two months to improve the living environment of their urban community. Shamsulhaq Noori, who worked alongside Jan Mohammad, recalled, “Jan Mohammad worked tirelessly like the rest of us. He didn’t use his physical limitations as an excuse. He always worked with honesty and pride.” Earning AFN 350 (approximately USD 5) per day, Jan Mohammad received his first payment at the end of the first month. The 7,700 AFN (approximately USD 110) made him proud and hopeful. “For the first time in months, my family had enough food to eat without borrowing money from neighbours,” Jan Mohammad said. The dinner his family had that day was his youngest son’s favorite dish: rice with potatoes, locally called Palao. “We spent most days with only one meal, and we could barely afford two. Our life has never been easy,” said Bibi Kafia, Jan Mohammad’s wife. “But for that one meal, it felt like things might get better tomorrow.” When Jan Mohammad received his next payment, his joy grew. “Now, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness. I proudly brought home flour, rice, stationery, and clothes for my children. That work and the salary I received gave me hope, dignity, and a renewed belief that hard work still has value.” His children also noticed the difference at home. Mohammad Saber, his second son who is in grade 7, said, “My father bought us new notebooks and pencils. I was glad that I can now go to school with my new study materials.” “The support through this programme has reached people like me — the poor, the persons with disabilities, and those who have been struggling all their lives just to survive.” Thanking the Government of Japan for the support, Jan Mohammad continued, “This opportunity reminded me that even those who have suffered injuries or hardships still can contribute to the society and live with pride.” Although the project offered Jan Mohammad a brief moment of relief, the challenges he faces remain substantial. But he remains determined and hopeful, even when opportunities seem diminished. “I will continue to look for any work to search for work and provide for my family,” he said. Across Afghanistan, countless families like Jan Mohammad’s struggle with poverty and uncertainty. According to the HNRP 2025, almost half the population—48%—lives in poverty. With the economy in decline, limited employment opportunities, weak investment in infrastructure and basic services, and reduced aid from the international community, many Afghan households are struggling in poor living environments, relying on short-term work just to survive—holding on to hope for a better tomorrow.

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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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26 November 2025

A micro greenhouse helps widows grow food and a future

Each woman received a package of seeds along with training on planting, watering, and managing crop cycles. They grow cucumber and sweet capsicum using the seeds received, and most have since expanded by sourcing additional vegetable seeds from local markets, which they cultivate in their greenhouses. These crops feed their families, and they sell the surplus, creating a new stream of income.This initiative is helping women-headed households improve their livelihoods. “We were already tailoring to survive,” said Amina, one of the participants. “Now with the greenhouse, we can also grow food, eat better, and sell the rest.”Built from climate-smart, low-cost materials, the greenhouses are designed for small plots and can withstand even harsh weather conditions. The drip irrigation system reduces water use and boosts efficiency, crucial in water-scarce areas, where every drop counts.Another important aspect of the initiative is the formation of Common Interest Groups (CIGs), a single-purpose group formed at the village level. Several women from the same village meet occasionally in one of the members’ homes to discuss their progress, share challenges, and exchange knowledge on greenhouse management. These meetings provide mutual support and strengthen community bonds. Zahra, (not real name) one of the women now manages a demonstration greenhouse that serves as a model for others in the village. Her work is encouraging more women in the community to explore home-based food production as a pathway to greater independence.Despite growing restrictions on women’s participation in many areas of public life, agriculture remains one of the few viable livelihood pathways still available to women in Afghanistan. This initiative offers more than just food and income; it opens doors to economic participation, climate resilience, and renewed confidence. Sustaining and expanding targeted support like this is essential to continue delivering direct, tangible benefits to women across the country.“We have hope,” Zahra said simply. “This is something we can do with our hands, right here at home.”This initiative is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as part of the STFA Joint Programme for the South-Eastern Region, an integral component of the UN’s unprecedented effort to Deliver as One (DaO) in Afghanistan. The programme brings together 11 Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs), including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).The JP adopts an integrated, community-based approach, catalyzing collaboration and capitalizing on the complementary strengths and synergies of PUNOs, thus delivering results that would not be possible through a traditional, siloed approach.By: Immy Mulekatete <immy.mulekatete@undp.org>

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25 November 2025

Voices from Afghanistan’s Hunger Crisis

Hunger in Afghanistan is escalating rapidly, making it one of the world’s most severe hunger crises and ranking fourth globally for child acute malnutrition. As winter approaches, malnutrition among women and children - already at record highs - is expected to spike further. Behind this crisis are stories – of families who can no longer take their daily meals for granted, of children battling malnutrition, and of mothers who look around their homes and find nothing to feed their children. The needs are immense – but WFP’s resources are shrinking. Among those facing the harsh realities of this crisis is Toor Jan, whose story reflects the daily struggle of millions across Afghanistan.In Baghran District of Helmand Province, Toor Jan lives with his extended family in a region long affected by conflict and poverty. He is the sole provider for a large household, including four brothers and two sisters who suffer from physical disabilities and mental health issues. Toor Jan’s mother is bedridden and needs constant care, while he also looks after his five children.His brother occasionally finds casual work, but the income is barely enough to buy bread. The family’s needs are overwhelming, and the burden falls mostly on Toor Jan.Helmand is one of the most food-insecure provinces in southern Afghanistan. Many families face acute hunger, and some must choose who gets to eat each day. In this difficult environment, WFP’s emergency food assistance is the only hope for some of the most vulnerable families in the region. Toor Jan’s family receives monthly food assistance from WFP. This support helps him meet basic food needs and allows him to focus on caring for his family. Far from Helmand, in the mountainous reaches of Bamyan Province, another story of resilience unfolds—that of Ruqia.Ruqia is 18 years old. After her father passed away, her mother remarried and no longer stays with Ruqia’s family. As the eldest sibling, Ruqia has taken on the responsibility of caring for her two younger brothers. She lives with her siblings in a remote district perched high in the mountains – Waras district of Bamyan province. Life here is shaped by the altitude, and winter doesn’t wait for the calendar date, it arrives early, often before the rest of the country has even felt the winter chill.She said: “We are not prepared at all for the cold.” With snow likely just weeks away, her family faces the harsh season with little protection. This is Ruqia’s second time receiving WFP’s assistance, helping her meet the family’s basic needs.Assisting families like Ruqia’s and countless others would not be possible without generous contributions from our partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Australia, Canada, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), EU Humanitarian Aid, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Private Sector, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In addition, thanks to the Republic of Korea for their contribution of rice towards WFP operations in Afghanistan. Learn more about WFP’s work in Afghanistan: Afghanistan | World Food Programme (wfp.org)By: Ziauddin Safi - Ziauddin.safi@wfp.org

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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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Press Release

03 December 2025

UN AFGHANISTAN STATEMENT ON OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Their voices, contributions, and rights must be observed. They are not only beneficiaries but agents of social, cultural and economic development. As world leaders agreed in Doha last month, inclusive societies are important for advancing social progress.Decades of conflict, displacement, drought, and weak health and economic systems have contributed to a high prevalence of disability across the country. Yet behind every statistic is a person—someone who is not only navigating their own challenges but is often a vital source of support for their families and communities. Their resilience underscores the urgent responsibility we all share to ensure that persons with disabilities are empowered, protected, and provided with equitable opportunities.Data indicates that nearly one-fourth of Afghans (24.6%) live with mild disabilities, while 40% experience moderate disabilities, and close to 13.9% face severe forms. These figures compel us to act with greater urgency and commitment. Persons with disabilities must not be treated as an afterthought; they must be fully integrated into every stage of planning, decision-making, and service delivery.“In all of our activities and projects, we ensure that persons with disabilities are reached and are supported to realize their full potential”, said Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. “Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life is an important step to help build a peaceful, fair and prosperous Afghanistan”.The United Nations in Afghanistan continues to implement its Disability Inclusion Strategy, a comprehensive policy and accountability framework designed to strengthen disability-inclusive approaches across all UN agencies, funds and programmes. This strategy lays the foundation for sustainable, transformative change, ensuring that disability inclusion is not symbolic but embedded in every programme, partnership, and initiative.Today is not just about challenges; it is about potential, leadership, and the right of every individual to participate fully in society. Local disability-led organisations continue to be a source of innovation, hope, and expertise.Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights of all persons with disabilities in Afghanistan. Their inclusion strengthens communities, drives resilience, and paves the way for a more equitable future for the entire nation.

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Press Release

18 November 2025

Over 8 million children in Afghanistan reached as the second phase of the measles campaign concludes

The 10-day second phase, which started on 29 October, reached 8 355 446 children aged 6 months to 10 years with one dose of the measles vaccine across 17 hot-weather provinces, achieving 91.7% coverage of the more than 9 million children targeted. In addition, 3 953 961 children aged 0 to 10 years received one dose of bivalent oral polio vaccine across 5 provinces in the south and one province in the southeast. Building on the first phase of the nationwide measles campaign – completed in October this year after reaching 8.3 million children across 17 cold-climate provinces – Afghanistan is advancing efforts to ensure immunization of all children.The campaign was launched in response to continued measles outbreaks and low routine immunization coverage. The Afghanistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2022–2023 found that only 51% of children had received their first measles dose, and just 37% their second dose. The successful rollout of the campaign has helped close these critical immunity gaps, laying the foundations for identifying missed children and strengthening routine vaccination as the country works towards measles control. “The roll out of the second nationwide drive to protect another 9 million Afghan children demonstrates the commitment of WHO, Afghanistan’s health authorities, partners and communities to protect children from preventable diseases,” said WHO Representative in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “Reaching 91.7% of target children is a major achievement, but our work continues as we must reach every child, especially in the hardest-to-reach areas. WHO remains dedicated to closing immunity gaps and ensuring no child is left behind.”“The conclusion of this second phase marks another important step in protecting Afghanistan’s children from a disease that should never cost a young life,” said UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan Dr Tajudeen Oyewale. “Reaching millions of children in every type of community is only possible because families, health workers and partners came together with one purpose: to keep children safe. UNICEF will continue supporting all efforts to strengthen routine immunization and ensure that every boy and girl receives the vaccines they need to grow up healthy.”With the successful completion of both phases of Afghanistan’s nationwide measles campaign, over 16.6 million children have now been protected against this deadly but preventable disease. This achievement reflects the dedication of Afghanistan’s health authorities, the tireless efforts of WHO, UNICEF and NEPI, and the generous support of Gavi. Together, they are strengthening routine immunization services and closing immunity gaps, helping to ensure that no child is left behind.# # #For media inquiries, please contact:Ajyal SultanyHead of Communications, WHO AfghanistanE-mail: sultanya@who.int Daniel TimmeChief of Communication, UNICEF Afghanistan E-mail : dtimme@unicef.org

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Press Release

21 October 2025

EU Increases humanitarian funding to expand WHO’s health response in Afghanistan

The extra funding will help WHO expand its emergency health response, with a focus on delivering lifesaving services to underserved communities and returnees across the country. According to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025, 14.3 million people face limited access to essential health care due to underfunded services, facility closures and a shortage of female health workers. As Afghanistan continues to face complex humanitarian challenges, including natural hazards, displacement and disease outbreaks, maternal health, trauma care and disease prevention are urgent priorities. EU support will allow WHO to enhance surveillance of infectious diseases through the deployment of surveillance support teams (SSTs), improve the supply of medical materials and strengthen coordination for the returnee response. “This additional contribution from the EU helps ensure that no one is left behind – even in the most remote or crisis-affected areas,” said WHO Representative in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “It reinforces the principle that access to health is a right, not a privilege.” The original EU-funded project supports a comprehensive package of health services, including the operation of 41 primary health care centres, 4 maternity hospitals and 2 emergency trauma centres at the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings. It provides mental health and psychosocial support services through 4 acute mental health wards, treatment for severe acute malnutrition in 19 inpatient facilities and training for 26 midwives to tackle the shortage of female medical professionals in rural areas. “When an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan last August, affecting nearly half a million people, WHO was immediately present on the ground. Thanks to EU support and contributions from other partners, WHO rapidly deployed emergency health teams to the affected areas to provide trauma care to those in need,” added Dr Salvador. “We remain committed to supporting the resilience of Afghanistan’s health system during these challenging times. Through our partnership with WHO, we are ensuring vital health services reach those most in need, especially in remote, disaster-affected and underserved areas. This support prioritizes maternal and child health, mental health, trauma care, nutrition and disease preparedness,” said Head of the EU's Humanitarian Aid Office in Afghanistan François Goemans. WHO Afghanistan extends its thanks to the EU for its continued support which strengthens our commitment to work closely with partners and humanitarian actors to ensure coordinated, inclusive and accountable health service delivery across the country.For media inquiries, please contact:Ajyal SultanyHead of Communications, WHO AfghanistanEmail: sultanya@who.int Lisa Hastert Regional Information Officer, EU Humanitarian Aid Asia/PacificEmail: Lisa.Hastert@echofield.eu

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Press Release

08 October 2025

Afghanistan reaches 8.9 million children in the first phase of a nationwide measles campaign

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths among children. In Afghanistan, where access to routine immunization is limited and many children face challenges like malnutrition, measles can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, blindness and even death.In 2024, over 9300 measles cases were reported. By August 2025, another 8500 cases had been reported. The number of outbreaks also increased, rising from 127 in 2023 to 430 in 2024. Nearly 92% of cases were in children under 10 years of age. Prior to the nationwide vaccination campaign, only 55% of children had received their first dose of the measles vaccine, and just 44% had received a second dose. These gaps in coverage left many children unprotected, allowing the disease to spread. Afghanistan is committed to eliminating measles. Vaccination efforts and high immunization coverage are vital to achieve this goal, protect communities and prevent future outbreaks, both locally and across borders.“Measles is a deadly but preventable disease, and in a country like Afghanistan, where too many children are vulnerable, vaccination is a lifeline,” said WHO Representative in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “The successful completion of phase 1 of this nationwide campaign marks a vital step in protecting millions of children from illness, disability and death. We are deeply grateful to the tireless health workers, volunteers and partners who made this effort possible, often in the most challenging conditions. WHO remains firmly committed to supporting Afghanistan’s health system to ensure that no child is left behind.”“No child in Afghanistan should die from a disease we know how to prevent. Measles is not only a deadly disease but also an alarm bell for gaps in immunization coverage and health equity. Every outbreak reveals where children have been left behind,” said UNICEF Representative to Afghanistan Dr Tajudeen Oyewale. “The success of the first phase of the nationwide vaccination campaign is an important step forward, but now our focus must turn to closing immunity gaps and integrating this effort into routine immunization. With stronger systems, equitable access and unwavering resolve, we can protect every child in Afghanistan from preventable diseases like measles.” The 2-phase nationwide campaign has been tailored to achieve at least 95% coverage among children aged 6 months to 10 years, identify and vaccinate children missed in previous rounds and strengthen routine immunization services for long-term protection.With the conclusion of the first phase, WHO, UNICEF and partners remain in close coordination with national health authorities to consolidate progress and prepare for the next phase of the campaign, ensuring that no child is left behind.# # # For media inquiries, please contact:Ajyal SultanyHead of Communications, WHO AfghanistanE-mail: sultanya@who.int Daniel TimmeChief of Communication, UNICEF Afghanistan E-mail : dtimme@unicef.org

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