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Story
24 March 2025
United to end tuberculosis across Afghanistan
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Press Release
17 March 2025
Eighty percent of WHO-supported facilities in Afghanistan risk shutdown by June
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Video
13 March 2025
UN DSRSG/RC/HC Indrika Ratwatte visit to Herat province - March 2025
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Press Release
15 July 2024
IsDB and FAO Join Hands to Rehabilitate Irrigation Systems and Improve Rural Livelihoods in Eastern Afghanistan
Jeddah/Rome. - A targeted grant from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) will provide key support to communities in eastern Afghanistan, through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), improving food security by rehabilitating climate-resilient irrigation structures to boost wheat production and establish fisheries.The USD 3 million contribution is provided by the Saudi Fund for Development through the AHTF, which is established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and managed by the Islamic Development Bank, to support the people of Afghanistan.The amount, mostly spent on hard infrastructure, will be matched by FAO, making a total of USD 6.18 million available over the next two years for emergency and resilience activities in the eastern provinces of Laghman and Kunar. The matching funding by FAO will be used to stock and operate the fisheries, and to distribute wheat seeds and other crucial inputs, besides providing training.A main focus of the project is to restore three historical water canals in Eastern Afghanistan that date back to the last century and have presently lost much of their effectiveness.The project will rehabilitate 21km of canals in Nahr-e Karim, in Qarghayee district of Laghman, an area which provides many of the vegetables consumed in Kabul, as well as the Upper and Lower Sarkano canals in Kunar province, together about 18km.The canals were dug last century with pickaxes and shovels. Increasingly frequent flash floods have caused sedimentation and damage to canal intake, canal banks and side structures (canal outlets, cross-drainage structures etc.).Both canal systems currently service hundreds of hectares less than they were designed to and are susceptible to rapid further deterioration. Given the effects of climate change (longer dry and hot periods alternating with flash floods) it is urgent to rehabilitate these irrigation systems in densely populated areas.Funded by the IsDB-managed AHTF, these activities build both on FAO’s technical expertise in the field of Water Resources and Irrigation (WRI), and on FAO’s large-scale program to provide emergency relief to Afghan farmers.This timely funding by AHTF through the Islamic Development Bank and contributed by SFD will support communities in two of eastern Afghanistan’s key agricultural production areas. This support will not only address the populations’ immediate food security needs, but also take a holistic approach to solving the water problems which affect the area, laying the groundwork for more durable solutions and lasting improvements for food security and nutrition.With the help of local construction companies working under the supervision of FAO’s engineers, FAO will repair the canals to ensure irrigation to over 2 100 ha, benefiting around 10 500 households, at least 70 000 people.Of this group, 8 000 households will be directly supported with a wheat cultivation package, allowing them to grow enough wheat during at least three years to meet their family’s annual wheat requirements. Working in close collaboration with local communities, eight locations will be selected to establish fish farms. When operational, each fish farm is expected to produce 1.5 metric tons of fish per year, which at current prices is worth USD 6,000 – 7,000 on the market. The salary of a teacher, in comparison, is about USD 150 per month. Fish consumption will also improve nutrition within target communities.FAO engineers, hydrologists and technical specialists bring decades of experience in improving the collection and distribution of surface waters, critical skills in a drought-prone region such as Afghanistan.The project will draw on locally tested solutions, such as those pioneered by Dr. Tetsu Nakamura in Nangarhar, who brought 25 000 ha of land under cultivation by adapting old Japanese irrigation techniques to the culture and geography of the Eastern Region. FAO’s emergency relief program has reached 16 million people since it began in 2021, about half of Afghanistan’s rural population. It is designed to make farmers and rural communities self-sufficient, transitioning out of emergency assistance towards sustainable development by providing inputs and training. The improvements in Afghan food security have been noticeable: while 55% of the Afghan population was deemed to be in acute or emergency food insecurity in late 2021, by May 2024 that percentage had halved to 27% - despite the ongoing drought and economic crisis caused by the withdrawal of the international community after the Taliban takeover in August 2021., filtered_html
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Publication
21 May 2024
Humanitarian and Basic Human Needs Factsheet 2023
The 2023 Factsheet centers on the results achieved with UN-supported interventions responding to the humanitarian and basic human needs of people in Afghanistan. In July 2023, the UN Country Team adopted the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023–2025, replacing its previous Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF, January 2022 to June 2023). As a multi-year framework, the UNSFA allows to address sustainably the Afghan people’s large-scale basic human needs and to reduce the medium- and long-term humanitarian caseload., filtered_html
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Publication
18 April 2024
2023 UN Afghanistan Annual Results Report
The year 2023 has been one of tremendous challenges but also one of resilience and determination. In the face of adversity and multiple concurrent shocks, the people of Afghanistan have demonstrated remarkable courage and strength. This annual report serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to the people of Afghanistan and our unwavering support for their journey towards peace, stability, and prosperity. It also reflects the tireless efforts of the United Nations and its partners to address the complex and multifaceted challenges facing the country. Due to the international assistance community’s concerted efforts, levels of support to Afghanistan remained significant. With our partners, we remained engaged despite unprecedented impediments that have shaken our core values and beliefs. In 2023, we continued to grapple with the challenges of upholding our core principles and values and simultaneously delivering on the imperative to assist people in need. The tremendous efforts and tenacity of all partners involved have shown the incredible creativity and perseverance of assistance partners who were determined not to leave the Afghan people alone. I am proud to be a representative of this extraordinary community. Afghans now mention access to food as their most pressing need. Unable to pay for or produce basic sustenance, millions face hunger and malnutrition. In 2024, an estimated 15.8 million people will experience crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity. The majority of the population is unable to procure basic needs such as healthcare, food, livelihoods, and housing. A Gallup poll found that 95 per cent of the population consider themselves to be suffering. Average life expectancy has been falling for the past five years. The Herat earthquakes and unprecedented large-scale returns from neighbouring countries have shown the disruptive impact of recurrent shocks and underscored the need for sustained international engagement and support. As we embark on the next chapter, in 2024, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. We will continue to include women as key partners in our work, to provide assistance “by women, for women”, and to tirelessly work for equal access to education in line with the demands we hear from Afghans in all areas of the country. I would like to express my gratitude to the United Nations agencies, our partners from the International Financial Institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), bilateral and multilateral donors and assistance partners, non-governmental organizations, and all those who continue to support the people of Afghanistan. I further express my deep gratitude to our Afghan partners, especially the Afghan women, who remind us daily of our responsibility to assist and empower them as they lead the course for a better future for themselves and their children. Your dedication and perseverance inspire us all. Indrika Ratwatte Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator , filtered_html
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Publication
20 February 2024
Herat Earthquakes 2023 Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
The United Nations – together with the World Bank, the European Union, and the Asian Development Bank - has released a comprehensive Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report for Afghanistan's Herat Province, hit by devastating earthquakes in October 2023. The report highlights the scale of the disaster: direct physical damage up to US$ 217 million and losses reaching US$ 78.9 million. The assessment underscores an urgent need for US$ 402.9 million to support the critical recovery and reconstruction efforts in the province. Besides assessing damage, losses, and recovery and reconstruction needs, the assessment evaluates broader macro-economic and human impacts and proposes principles for a comprehensive recovery and reconstruction framework. It cautions about persistent widespread poverty, slow economic recovery, job scarcity, banking sector instability, adverse impact on mental health and wellbeing, and climate vulnerability, exacerbating Afghanistan's ongoing economic challenges. The PDNA emphasizes the critical need to transition from immediate humanitarian aid to long-term recovery. Recovery strategies should prioritize building community resilience, service restoration, earthquake-safe housing, livelihoods options, social protection, and access to basic services, especially for the most affected families. The PDNA supports principles of building back better, emphasising women's empowerment and reducing disaster risks and enhancing climate resilience. This first-of-its-kind, multi-partner joint assessment since August 2021 showcases an international resolve to address the needs of disaster-affected communities and support their recovery. The assessment – launched in October 2023 – relied on field data, publicly available information, and remote sensing analytics. , filtered_html
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Publication
02 July 2023
United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan
The past several years have been extremely challenging for the people of Afghanistan. Already suffering from decades of conflict and instability, Afghanistan’s human rights, governance, humanitarian, and development situations deteriorated sharply after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. This transition impacted not only the political and security situations but also had particularly severe implications for human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. The country’s economy contracted by about 30 per cent between 2020 and 2022. With 24.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 9 in 10 living in poverty, the country is in the midst of a crisis on an unprecedented scale.
The United Nations and its partners recognize that humanitarian aid alone will not be enough to sustainably address the large-scale and increasing human suffering of the Afghan people in the medium and long term. As such, humanitarian efforts should be complemented and reinforced with interventions addressing basic human needs that aim to reduce the humanitarian caseload over time and support Afghans, particularly women, girls, and other vulnerable groups, to a) build resilience to shocks, b) sustain livelihoods, c) protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, d) strengthen social cohesion and build social capital, and e) preserve hard-won development gains achieved over the past two decades, including with regard to service delivery. This approach is also important for the identification and achievement of durable solutions to displacement caused by conflict, climate change, and sudden onset natural disasters.
In close consultations with our Member States, partners, and stakeholders, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) has identified three complementary and mutually reinforcing joint priorities as it supports the basic human needs of the Afghan people.
Priority 1: Sustained Essential Services
Priority 2: Economic Opportunities and Resilient Livelihoods
Priority 3: Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Gender Equality, Human Rights, and Rule of Law
With the Humanitarian Country Team, the UNCT has also agreed on two collective outcomes: to 1) reduce food insecurity and 2) reduce maternal and child mortality rates. Partners across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus have agreed to work together toward these outcomes.
The United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan articulates the UN’s approach to addressing basic human needs in Afghanistan. Anchored in the principle of leaving no one behind, the UN Strategic Framework prioritizes the needs and rights of those most vulnerable and marginalized, including women and girls, children and youth, internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees, ethnic and religious minorities, geographically isolated communities, sexual and gender minorities, the Kuchi community, persons with disabilities, human rights defenders, people who use drugs, and people living with and affected by HIV.
This Strategic Framework is an offer of assistance to the people of Afghanistan. Whether the UN can implement this framework depends in part on external factors, most notably on actions by the de facto authorities and on donor support. The UN expects to be deeply engaged in maintaining and expanding the access and operational space necessary for implementation.
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Story
24 March 2025
United to end tuberculosis across Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan – To mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan is celebrating people like Ayub, a 76-year-old father of 8 from a remote village in Khider district, Daikundi province, who fought TB and reclaimed their health. Ayub’s struggle began with persistent fatigue, rapid weight loss and a persistent cough. Like many in his community, he was unaware of TB symptoms. Believing he was suffering from some minor illness, Ayub delayed seeking medical care.“At first, I thought it was nothing serious and bought medicine from a local pharmacy,” Ayub recalled. “But when my condition worsened, I traveled to the provincial capital for a check-up. They referred me to Kabul, where my life took a drastic turn.”By the time he reached a WHO-supported health facility in Kabul, the disease had already severely impacted his health. He tested positive for TB and was admitted to Afghan-Japan Hospital for urgent treatment.“Receiving the diagnosis was frightening, but the care I got changed everything,” said Ayub. “After starting treatment, I began to feel better. Now I want to use my experience to encourage others to seek help immediately.” Supported by his family and community, for 2 months Ayub followed his treatment plan to the letter, taking daily medication and attending regular check-ups.TB poses a serious public health challenge in Afghanistan, with over 50 000 cases reported in 2024. The disease persists despite the availability of more than 875 TB treatment centres across the country which provide free diagnosis and care with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “WHO, in collaboration with partners, remains committed to strengthening Afghanistan’s TB programme,” says WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “No one should suffer in silence. TB is preventable, curable, and no patient should be stigmatized.”Today, Ayub has regained his health and is eager to return to his role as a devoted father and active community member. He now advocates for TB awareness, urging others to recognize symptoms and seek timely treatment.Ayub’s story is a reminder that early diagnosis and proper care can turn the tide against TB. “This World TB Day, let us stand together in the fight against this disease—because every life saved brings hope for a healthier future in Afghanistan and across the world,” says Dr Salvador. For more information, please contact:Najiburahman Hamid, Communications Officer, WHO AfghanistanMobile: +93700021820 Email: nhamid@who.int, filtered_html
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Story
09 March 2025
In Afghanistan recovery from addiction means a new chance at life
Kabul, Afghanistan – Nargis, 26,* grew up in Guzara district, Herat province, where poverty shaped much of her childhood. At 15, she married a much older man and soon gave birth to her first son, Jawid. She had hoped motherhood would bring stability but life remained difficult.When she became pregnant again Nargis moved to Kabul to live with her sister, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she found herself in a home where both her sister and brother-in-law were struggling with addiction. Isolated and vulnerable, she soon became addicted herself. Almost nine months pregnant with a second child and with nowhere to turn, Nargis left her sister’s house and wandered the streets of Kabul. A mobile outreach team, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan, found her and offered help. These teams work in communities to support people battling substance use, providing treatment and care. They convinced Nargis to seek help at a WHO-supported female drug addiction treatment centre (DATC) in Kabul.The female DATC, which WHO has supported since November 2023 with funding from the European Union (EU), became a turning point in Nargis’s life. The centre provides comprehensive medical services, psychological support and vocational training to help women rebuild their lives.During her stay, Nargis gave birth to her second child, a healthy baby boy, Jamil. “When her delivery time arrived, we admitted her to a nearby hospital for a safe delivery without any complication for herself and her baby. Since she achieved abstinence a month before delivery her baby did not experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome. She discharged immediately after delivery and returned to DATC,” explained DATC head Dr Shaista Hakim.For patients like Nargis, recovery takes time and support. They need a range of health and social services to help them reintegrate into the community. Most women spend between 45 to 90 days at the centres, receiving medical care and skill-building training, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to help them reintegrate into society. Nargis took part in the tailoring programme which equips women with practical skills over a 3-month course. She now envisions a future in which she can support her children independently.“I plan to start tailoring to support my kids, and I will never touch addictive substances again,” says Nargis.Given her previous housing arrangements were not conducive to long-term recovery, DATC coordinated with social support services to offer her safe accommodation after discharge until she gains enough skills to support herself. Substance use and addiction are a pressing public health crisis in Afghanistan, affecting around 4 million people (10% of the population). The challenges facing female addicts are often compounded by stigma and limited access to treatment.“WHO stands at the forefront of the fight against substance dependence, ensuring that those battling drug use disorders – especially women – receive the care and rehabilitation they deserve,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “Together with our partners and donors, we are paving the way for comprehensive rehabilitation programmes that empower people to rebuild their lives and integrate in a supportive environment.” WHO currently supports 12 DATCs across Afghanistan, including 4 centres specifically for women. In 2024, these efforts helped more than 2800 people complete inpatient treatment and transition into relapse prevention programmes, giving them a chance to reclaim their lives and reintegrate into their communities.For Nargis, the journey to recovery has not been easy but with the right support she is forging a new path, taking control of her life and the future of her children. WHO extends its sincere gratitude to the EU, UNODC and other partners for their generous contributions which have been instrumental in enabling the implementation of this treatment and rehabilitation programme., filtered_html
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Story
02 December 2024
Humanitarian call centre surpasses half a million calls
Awaaz Afghanistan – the nation’s pioneering humanitarian call centre – has achieved a significant new milestone: handling over half a million calls from vulnerable people in need.
In a landscape marked by conflict, natural disasters and a range of socio-economic challenges, access to timely and accurate information is critical for millions in need. Launched in May 2018 through a collaborative effort by multiple UN agencies and partners, the UNOPS-managed Awaaz Afghanistan serves as a crucial lifeline for Afghans seeking assistance. It provides callers with vital information and serves as a platform for feedback on humanitarian responses as well as the delivery of basic human services.With over 500,000 calls handled, Awaaz has successfully connected more than 3 million individuals across Afghanistan to essential services and humanitarian aid. The centre’s reach is reflected in real-life stories from across the country.Awaaz has become an essential resource for millions of Afghans, ensuring transparency and accountability while connecting those affected by crises with crucial assistance.Jorge Moreira da Silva - United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive DirectorConnecting communities, changing livesTake, for example, the remote village of Charkudogh, located on the border of Ghor and Faryab Provinces. Approximately 350 families there lacked access to vital healthcare, facing a daunting 12-hour walk to the nearest facility. Earlier this year, a resident reached out to Awaaz for urgent help. The call centre documented the situation and referred the issue to the World Health Organization-led Health Cluster. Within days, a health outreach team was mobilized, delivering essential primary healthcare services directly to the community.In another case, a group of over 130 returnee families from Pakistan was living in makeshift tents with minimal protection from the elements. One individual contacted Awaaz seeking assistance, prompting the centre to refer the case to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In response, UNHCR provided solar panels and batteries and enrolled the families in a shelter programme, significantly improving their living conditions.More than a call centreAwaaz Afghanistan is a community engagement initiative. The two-way communication channel ensures that ground-level needs are conveyed to partners, enhancing the quality ofhumanitarian programming nationwide. With 168 humanitarian agencies collaborating and sharing data, Awaaz has become a cornerstone of inter-agency collective accountability in Afghanistan."Awaaz Afghanistan is the heart of the UN’s operations in Afghanistan, recognized for its critical role in collecting first-hand insights from communities affected by ongoing challenges, guiding the UN’s tailored assistance in the country," said Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan.Awaaz Afghanistan continues to transform lives, ensuring that critical support reaches those who need it most.Awaaz continues to growAs Awaaz Afghanistan expands its reach, its mission remains clear: to serve as a lifeline for those in need. Every call is answered, every concern addressed and every voice amplified. In a nation facing numerous challenges and limited resources, Awaaz demonstrates the power of collaboration, community engagement and an unwavering commitment to the Afghan people.About the projectAwaaz Afghanistan has received over $11 million in funding from various UN organizations and partners. This includes the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the government of Japan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs-administered Central Emergency Response Fund, the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, UNFPA, the UN Development Programme, UN Women, the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme and UNHCR.
This story was originally published by UNOPS here., filtered_html
In a landscape marked by conflict, natural disasters and a range of socio-economic challenges, access to timely and accurate information is critical for millions in need. Launched in May 2018 through a collaborative effort by multiple UN agencies and partners, the UNOPS-managed Awaaz Afghanistan serves as a crucial lifeline for Afghans seeking assistance. It provides callers with vital information and serves as a platform for feedback on humanitarian responses as well as the delivery of basic human services.With over 500,000 calls handled, Awaaz has successfully connected more than 3 million individuals across Afghanistan to essential services and humanitarian aid. The centre’s reach is reflected in real-life stories from across the country.Awaaz has become an essential resource for millions of Afghans, ensuring transparency and accountability while connecting those affected by crises with crucial assistance.Jorge Moreira da Silva - United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive DirectorConnecting communities, changing livesTake, for example, the remote village of Charkudogh, located on the border of Ghor and Faryab Provinces. Approximately 350 families there lacked access to vital healthcare, facing a daunting 12-hour walk to the nearest facility. Earlier this year, a resident reached out to Awaaz for urgent help. The call centre documented the situation and referred the issue to the World Health Organization-led Health Cluster. Within days, a health outreach team was mobilized, delivering essential primary healthcare services directly to the community.In another case, a group of over 130 returnee families from Pakistan was living in makeshift tents with minimal protection from the elements. One individual contacted Awaaz seeking assistance, prompting the centre to refer the case to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In response, UNHCR provided solar panels and batteries and enrolled the families in a shelter programme, significantly improving their living conditions.More than a call centreAwaaz Afghanistan is a community engagement initiative. The two-way communication channel ensures that ground-level needs are conveyed to partners, enhancing the quality ofhumanitarian programming nationwide. With 168 humanitarian agencies collaborating and sharing data, Awaaz has become a cornerstone of inter-agency collective accountability in Afghanistan."Awaaz Afghanistan is the heart of the UN’s operations in Afghanistan, recognized for its critical role in collecting first-hand insights from communities affected by ongoing challenges, guiding the UN’s tailored assistance in the country," said Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan.Awaaz Afghanistan continues to transform lives, ensuring that critical support reaches those who need it most.Awaaz continues to growAs Awaaz Afghanistan expands its reach, its mission remains clear: to serve as a lifeline for those in need. Every call is answered, every concern addressed and every voice amplified. In a nation facing numerous challenges and limited resources, Awaaz demonstrates the power of collaboration, community engagement and an unwavering commitment to the Afghan people.About the projectAwaaz Afghanistan has received over $11 million in funding from various UN organizations and partners. This includes the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the government of Japan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs-administered Central Emergency Response Fund, the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, UNFPA, the UN Development Programme, UN Women, the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme and UNHCR.
This story was originally published by UNOPS here., filtered_html
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Story
30 July 2024
Stories of Resilience: Three Lives, One Project
Afghanistan is one of the top 10 countries experiencing extreme weather patterns. This, against a backdrop of decades of war and numerous social and economic shocks, has left over 23 million people in need. Three lives Mumtaz, Kabul“I used to be a teacher, as well as three of my daughters. But because of the restrictions, we cannot do that anymore.”For decades Mumtaz’s income as a math and science teacher fully supported her family of five, following an illness that prevented her husband from working. Mumtaz’s three daughters followed in their mother’s footsteps, supporting the growing household.Recent restrictions on education and employment opportunities for women and girls have rolled back two decades of gender rights advances. Past the sixth grade, girls are banned from accessing an education. For women, employment with non-governmental organizations is denied and they are wholly excluded from public office.
Overnight, Mumtaz and her daughters lost their source of income, joining 94 per cent of the women in the country outside the workforce. Ahmad, Baghlan province“The floods destroyed the canal I use to irrigate my lands so I could not cultivate anything and this put my family in a very difficult economic position.”Approximately 85 per cent of Afghans rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Yet across this landlocked country, with temperatures that range between -20°C and +45°C, early frost and unpredictable precipitation patterns can greatly impact production – alter lands that so many depend upon to graze cattle and cultivate crops.
Before the 2023 floods, Ahmad grew enough to feed his family every day and sell some produce for an additional income.Overnight, Ahmad's family joined the 15 million people across the country who are food insecure.
Zeyba, Khost province“We are a total of seven members in our family. It has been three months since we have moved from Pakistan to Afghanistan after 40 years. I was even born in Pakistan. We have been working very hard for our family’s survival for the past three months.”October 2023 saw the start of the forced repatriation of Afghans residing in Pakistan. Women and children – extremely vulnerable groups in Afghanistan – make up the majority of returning Afghans. Many of the people returning have never lived in Afghanistan, further complicating their adjustment and ability to integrate into one of the world’s least-developed countries – amid a major humanitarian crisis.Overnight, Zeyba’s family joined over six million already internally displaced people in Afghanistan. One projectAmid intensifying needs, the World Bank and the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund initiated the UNOPS-managed Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (CRLP).Managed by UNOPS, the initiative provides short-term employment, offering a lifeline for vulnerable households, with the benefits of the work activities extending to entire communities. Social grants are also extended to particularly vulnerable households unable to participate in work, prioritizing women-headed households, people with disabilities and those suffering from drug addiction.Community engagement is a cornerstone of the project – and has long been a powerful vehicle for development interventions in Afghanistan. As such, the initiative invites Afghan people – via community representatives – to select work activities, manage labourers and provide channels for grievances.And from a climate perspective, the project assesses any potential activity against key environmental and social considerations before a final selection is made. A shared experienceLiving in three different provinces, Mumtaz, Ahmad and Zeyba all found opportunities with the project. Mumtaz“This was a good chance to find a job in very difficult times for women. At least now we have a bit of time to see what else we can find. This is not a permanent solution and it will not solve all of our problems but we are happy as women that we can put food on the table.”Mumtaz worked as a short-term labourer, helping to construct a green park in Kabul. She worked on-site helping cure cement and clean up after construction – earning approximately $6.30 a day for a month. By early June 2024, sub-projects have included nearly 60,000 women labourers. While this is a high number, it still represents less than 12 per cent of the total urban labourers and close to 7 per cent of rural labourers. Looking ahead, the project is committed to reaching more women. Ahmad“Now that the canal has been fixed, I will be able to grow on my land again next year. I even helped to repair the canal, which I was happy about doing for my village.”In his village in the Baghlan Province, Ahmad worked on a project that the local community council identified as being important for the lives of the people who lived there.Since the start of the project, over 7,500 activities in urban and rural areas across the country have helped put in place infrastructure that allows local communities to better adapt to a changing climate. Work ranges from the construction of protection walls to the building and rehabilitation of canal networks. Zeyba“One of the CRLP projects was ongoing near my home. I sent my son to speak to the engineers in the project and tell our story. Then they welcomed him and arranged for him to join the work. At least it is a start for settling back in Afghanistan.”With the unexpected return of millions of Afghans from Pakistan – many vulnerable and in need – the resilience of communities and their ability to support those in need was tested. Within the CRL project, they rose to the challenge. Working as intended, the community representatives recognized the vulnerability of this incoming group during their needs mapping. Returning Afghans were able to connect within their new community and register as part of the project.
DISCLAIMERAll images featured in this article were generated with the help of artificial intelligence tools. The characters depicted in these images are fictitious in nature, and used for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance these characters have to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Names have been changed in the story, to protect the identities of participants. More about the projectThe Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project is a $419 million initiative funded by the World Bank and the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund, managed by UNOPS. Working directly with more than 9,000 communities, the project is set to benefit over 14 million Afghans, across 10 cities, 29 provinces and 98 rural districts. It aims to create approximately 42 million labour days and support more than 1.3 million households.
Read more about the project via the World Bank.
This article first appeared in UNOPS., filtered_html
Overnight, Mumtaz and her daughters lost their source of income, joining 94 per cent of the women in the country outside the workforce. Ahmad, Baghlan province“The floods destroyed the canal I use to irrigate my lands so I could not cultivate anything and this put my family in a very difficult economic position.”Approximately 85 per cent of Afghans rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Yet across this landlocked country, with temperatures that range between -20°C and +45°C, early frost and unpredictable precipitation patterns can greatly impact production – alter lands that so many depend upon to graze cattle and cultivate crops.
Before the 2023 floods, Ahmad grew enough to feed his family every day and sell some produce for an additional income.Overnight, Ahmad's family joined the 15 million people across the country who are food insecure.
Zeyba, Khost province“We are a total of seven members in our family. It has been three months since we have moved from Pakistan to Afghanistan after 40 years. I was even born in Pakistan. We have been working very hard for our family’s survival for the past three months.”October 2023 saw the start of the forced repatriation of Afghans residing in Pakistan. Women and children – extremely vulnerable groups in Afghanistan – make up the majority of returning Afghans. Many of the people returning have never lived in Afghanistan, further complicating their adjustment and ability to integrate into one of the world’s least-developed countries – amid a major humanitarian crisis.Overnight, Zeyba’s family joined over six million already internally displaced people in Afghanistan. One projectAmid intensifying needs, the World Bank and the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund initiated the UNOPS-managed Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (CRLP).Managed by UNOPS, the initiative provides short-term employment, offering a lifeline for vulnerable households, with the benefits of the work activities extending to entire communities. Social grants are also extended to particularly vulnerable households unable to participate in work, prioritizing women-headed households, people with disabilities and those suffering from drug addiction.Community engagement is a cornerstone of the project – and has long been a powerful vehicle for development interventions in Afghanistan. As such, the initiative invites Afghan people – via community representatives – to select work activities, manage labourers and provide channels for grievances.And from a climate perspective, the project assesses any potential activity against key environmental and social considerations before a final selection is made. A shared experienceLiving in three different provinces, Mumtaz, Ahmad and Zeyba all found opportunities with the project. Mumtaz“This was a good chance to find a job in very difficult times for women. At least now we have a bit of time to see what else we can find. This is not a permanent solution and it will not solve all of our problems but we are happy as women that we can put food on the table.”Mumtaz worked as a short-term labourer, helping to construct a green park in Kabul. She worked on-site helping cure cement and clean up after construction – earning approximately $6.30 a day for a month. By early June 2024, sub-projects have included nearly 60,000 women labourers. While this is a high number, it still represents less than 12 per cent of the total urban labourers and close to 7 per cent of rural labourers. Looking ahead, the project is committed to reaching more women. Ahmad“Now that the canal has been fixed, I will be able to grow on my land again next year. I even helped to repair the canal, which I was happy about doing for my village.”In his village in the Baghlan Province, Ahmad worked on a project that the local community council identified as being important for the lives of the people who lived there.Since the start of the project, over 7,500 activities in urban and rural areas across the country have helped put in place infrastructure that allows local communities to better adapt to a changing climate. Work ranges from the construction of protection walls to the building and rehabilitation of canal networks. Zeyba“One of the CRLP projects was ongoing near my home. I sent my son to speak to the engineers in the project and tell our story. Then they welcomed him and arranged for him to join the work. At least it is a start for settling back in Afghanistan.”With the unexpected return of millions of Afghans from Pakistan – many vulnerable and in need – the resilience of communities and their ability to support those in need was tested. Within the CRL project, they rose to the challenge. Working as intended, the community representatives recognized the vulnerability of this incoming group during their needs mapping. Returning Afghans were able to connect within their new community and register as part of the project.
DISCLAIMERAll images featured in this article were generated with the help of artificial intelligence tools. The characters depicted in these images are fictitious in nature, and used for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance these characters have to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Names have been changed in the story, to protect the identities of participants. More about the projectThe Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project is a $419 million initiative funded by the World Bank and the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund, managed by UNOPS. Working directly with more than 9,000 communities, the project is set to benefit over 14 million Afghans, across 10 cities, 29 provinces and 98 rural districts. It aims to create approximately 42 million labour days and support more than 1.3 million households.
Read more about the project via the World Bank.
This article first appeared in UNOPS., filtered_html
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Story
28 June 2024
Beyond Aid: “Delivering as One” to Build a Resilient Afghanistan
Afghanistan presents one of the most compelling portraits of the complex tapestry of global polycrisis. Amid socio-economic deterioration, exacerbated by natural disasters including droughts, floods, and earthquakes, and massive displacement, Afghanistan’s challenges require not only a coordinated humanitarian response but also long-term durable solutions for development and peace. This is where the UN and partners’ joined-up approach indispensable. The Scale of CrisisSince the Taliban takeover in 2021, a diminishing flow of international aid has made service delivery to the Afghan people more challenging. Afghanistan has one of the highest numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) globally including a significant surge of over half a million Afghan returnees Pakistan, further straining the country's limited resources. Having visited IDPs and returnees’ temporary camps, I have witnessed first-hand the precarious conditions that they are living in including lack of access to basic services such as safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, healthcare, and jobs. Afghanistan ranks as the world's seventh most vulnerable country to climate change despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. Natural disasters are becoming a major threat for Afghanistan as floods, earthquakes, and droughts deal major blows for communities with limited capacity to respond to and recover from these shocks. The 2023 earthquakes in Herat, which claimed over 1,500 lives and displaced thousands more, have exposed the country’s vulnerabilities to climate shocks. The Plight of Afghan Women and GirlsPerhaps no group is more vulnerable in Afghanistan today than women and girls. Since August 2021, the De facto authorities have issued and expanded more than 50 edicts targeting women and girls, alongside several inconsistently enforced provincial-level decrees and practices, restricting the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of women. The exclusion of women from education beyond grade 6 as a human rights violation not only diminishes the economic stability of women and their families but also deprives the society of skilled contributors in all sectors. Without access to continued education, an entire generation of girls will be unable to pursue careers in medicine, engineering, or academia, fields that are crucial for Afghanistan’s future development. Why ”Delivering as One” through a joined-up approach?To streamline and synergize the efforts of various United Nations organizations operating in Afghanistan, where humanitarian needs are vast and complex, the Delivering as One (DaO) approach ensures that the collective expertise and resources of the UN are leveraged more effectively. By pooling resources and aligning strategies, we can address the multifaceted challenges of humanitarian aid, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) in a cohesive manner within the HDP nexus. As the world and UN gear toward the “Summit of the Future” this year to strengthen international cooperation and multilateralism, the DaO approach has been a critical example to showcase the effectiveness of coordination and collaboration of multiple donors and UN organizations in addressing complex challenges like those faced in Afghanistan.The benefit of this approach is exemplified by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), which the UN launched in 2021. The STFA is already showing a positive impact of DaO by delivering a more coherent response to the HDP nexus needs in Afghanistan. Focusing on Basic Human Needs and Durable SolutionsAddressing basic human needs in Afghanistan is not merely about providing temporary relief but about establishing the foundations for long-term resilience and development. By 2024, the STFA has mobilized over US$230 million from 13 contributing donors, providing crucial support to approximately five million Afghans, particularly focusing on women and vulnerable groups. 17 UN organizations have come together to deliver the support through joint programmes.The support for basic human needs must also include durable solutions for the IDPs and returnees. This means not only meeting immediate needs such as food, water, and shelter but also providing access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. These are essential for their reintegration into society, reducing dependency on aid, and laying the groundwork for long-term development.A Call for Sustained International Attention and SupportAs global attention fluctuates with increasing conflicts and wars around the world, Afghanistan risks becoming a forgotten crisis, yet the needs of its people are more pressing than ever. We call on the international community and donor partners to renew their commitment to the people in Afghanistan, to mitigate the current humanitarian crisis and support a strategy that bridges humanitarian aid with development and peace efforts. “Delivering as One” through a joined-up approach is as necessary as efficient to address the complex challenges: Through our unified efforts, support for basic human needs, and a focus on durable solutions for the displaced, particularly women and girls, we can help build the resilience of people in Afghanistan. , filtered_html
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Press Release
18 March 2025
Eighty percent of WHO-supported facilities in Afghanistan risk shutdown by June
As of 4 March 2025, 167 health facilities had shut down due to funding shortages, cutting off lifesaving medical care to 1.6 million people across 25 provinces. Without urgent intervention, over 220 more facilities could close by June 2025, leaving an additional 1.8 million Afghans without access to primary health care. In the worst affected regions – Northern, Western and Northeastern Afghanistan – more than a third of health care centres have shut down, raising alarms about an imminent humanitarian crisis."These closures are not just numbers on a report, they represent mothers unable to give birth safely, children missing lifesaving vaccinations, entire communities left without protection from deadly disease outbreaks," said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. "The consequences will be measured in lives lost."Afghanistan is already battling multiple health emergencies, including outbreaks of measles, malaria, dengue, polio and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Without functioning health facilities, efforts to control these diseases are severely hindered. Over 16 000 suspected measles cases, including 111 deaths, were reported in the first 2 months of 2025. With immunization rates at critically low levels (only 51% for the first dose of the measles vaccine and 37% for the second), children are at heightened risk of preventable illness and death.[1]Disruptions to WHO-led coordination mechanisms prevent health partners from tracking disease outbreaks, allocating resources and delivering essential services and threaten to push the country’s already fragile health care system deeper into crisis. While some donors continue to support Afghanistan’s health sector, funding has been significantly reduced as development aid priorities have shifted. The needs, however, remain immense, and current support is not enough to sustain critical health care services for millions of Afghans."This is not just about funding. It is a humanitarian emergency that threatens to undo years of progress in strengthening Afghanistan’s health system," said Dr Salvador. "Every day that passes without our collective support brings more suffering, more preventable deaths and lasting damage to the country’s health care infrastructure." # # #For more information, please contact:Ajyal SultanyHead of Communications, WHO Afghanistan- KabulMob.: +93 784812266E-mail: sultanya@who.int
[1] Measles1 and Measles2 figures are reported by MICS survey 2022/2023 (https://www.unicef.org/afghanistan/reports/afghanistan-multiple-indicator-cluster-survey-mics-2022-2023)Suspected measles cases and deaths are reported through DHIS2 (NDSR surveillance system), filtered_html
[1] Measles1 and Measles2 figures are reported by MICS survey 2022/2023 (https://www.unicef.org/afghanistan/reports/afghanistan-multiple-indicator-cluster-survey-mics-2022-2023)Suspected measles cases and deaths are reported through DHIS2 (NDSR surveillance system), filtered_html
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Press Release
13 March 2025
IOM and EU Humanitarian Aid Provide Critical Support to Nearly 200,000 Vulnerable Afghans
The EU-funded project, which concluded in December 2024, allowed IOM to provide essential post-arrival humanitarian aid at eight reception and transit centers in Herat, Nimroz, Kandahar, and Nangarhar provinces. Through this project, IOM assisted over 190,500 vulnerable returnees from Pakistan and Iran, offering overnight accommodation, hot meals, cash for transportation and multi-purpose cash assistance, health and psychosocial support, as well as specialized protection assistance.IOM’s rapid and targeted support helped many navigate immediate hardships. “We spent decades building our life in Pakistan, but it all ended overnight when we were forced to return. The challenges were immense,” said Nergiz, a single mother of three who received post-arrival assistance at the IOM reception center in Torkham. “Having a safe place to stay, meals for my children, and medical help made all the difference.”The project also played a crucial role in the emergency response to the Herat earthquakes, deploying psychosocial mobile teams to assist over 7,990 affected people through 15,979 focused individual and group consultations. To strengthen disaster preparedness, the project enabled the prepositioning of emergency shelter and non-food items in 12 warehouses across Afghanistan, ensuring a rapid response during emergencies.“At a time where economic hardship and the increasing impact of climate change are driving communities to the edge, the EU remains a strong, reliable and committed humanitarian partner in Afghanistan. EU Humanitarian Aid has enabled IOM to continue its lifesaving work, reaching hundreds of thousands of Afghans in dire need; whether through post-arrival support for returnees or emergency aid for earthquake survivors,” said François Goemans, Head of the European Union’s humanitarian aid office in Afghanistan.“Now, more than ever, sustained support is critical. Returnees continue to arrive in growing numbers, and frequent disasters further drive humanitarian needs and displacement. To end the negative cycle of irregular and forced migration, we hope to continue our valuable partnership with the European Union and other donors to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most,” said IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission Mihyung Park.Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with nearly half the population—some 22.9 million people—in urgent need, according to the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. For more information, please contact: Avand Azeez Agha
Media and Communications Officer
Contact: Phone +93 79 410 0542 - Email avhasan@iom.int , filtered_html
Media and Communications Officer
Contact: Phone +93 79 410 0542 - Email avhasan@iom.int , filtered_html
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Press Release
05 March 2025
French support keeps UNHAS flying in Afghanistan
The support allowed UNHAS to transport aid workers from UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and other partners as well as essential cargo like food, medical supplies and emergency shelter materials to remote locations across the country.“France is proud to support UNHAS, a crucial lifeline delivering humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and all over the world,” said H.E. Ms Céline Jurgensen, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Rome.UNHAS currently flies aid workers to 25 destinations across the country, many of them remote and inaccessible. Earlier in 2024, UNHAS also operated an international airbridge connecting Kabul with Doha, Qatar and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, ensuring quick and reliable delivery of humanitarian assistance and safe transport for aid workers to sustain life-saving operations. After commercial airlines started serving these destinations reliably, these destinations were discontinued. UNHAS still flies to Islamabad, Pakistan and Dushanbe, Tajikistan, twice a week.“UNHAS enables humanitarian aid workers to reach and support vulnerable populations in remote, hard-to-access areas while also providing them with peace of mind, knowing that medical evacuations and security relocations are available in critical situations,” said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP’s acting Country Director in Afghanistan. “We are grateful for the generous support from our partners who help WFP keep UNHAS in the air.”The Government of France has been a dedicated supporter of WFP in Afghanistan, contributing nearly US$9 million in 2023 and over US$6.5 million in 2024. This unwavering commitment places France squarely among the top ten donors for WFP in Afghanistan. # # # 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, filtered_html
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Press Release
05 March 2025
Japan contributes US$7 million to WFP Afghanistan to tackle hunger and malnutrition
This funding will enable WFP to provide emergency food assistance to nearly 30,000 families - over 200,000 people - for three months. Additionally, more than 60,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children will receive specialized nutritious food. The contribution will also support daily school snacks for nearly 30,000 school children, enhancing their ability to learn and focus in the classroom.“Thanks to humanitarian assistance and better harvests, we’ve seen significant improvements in overall food security,” said H.E. Takayoshi Kuromiya, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan. “However, 15 million Afghans still do not know where their next meal will come from. These numbers represent real families, children and communities in urgent need, and the Government of Japan remains committed to supporting Afghan families through this crisis.” The funding came at a critical time, when hunger and hardship for communities deepened ahead of the long Afghan winter. With limited work opportunities and scarce food, families were facing the impossible choice of either heating their homes or feeding their children. “As economic opportunities remain out of reach for many, especially for women, families across Afghanistan are also having to endure a harsh winter,” said Mutinta Chimuka, acting Country Director for WFP in Afghanistan. “WFP is committed to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly women-headed families. Thanks to the generosity of partners like Japan, we’ve been able to reach more than 12 million people last year, providing a vital lifeline in the face of ongoing challenges.”The Government of Japan has been a steadfast supporter to WFP’s mission in Afghanistan. Since 2021, Japan has contributed US$93 million, enabling WFP to assist some of the most vulnerable food-insecure families across the country. # # #The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change., filtered_html
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Press Release
23 February 2025
WHO maintains lifesaving health care services in Afghanistan with the support of Japan
19 February 2025, Kabul, Afghanistan – The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes the generous contribution of US$ 500 000 from the Government of Japan to strengthen essential health care services for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, during Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis.Afghanistan continues to grapple with significant challenges, including a fragile health care system, food insecurity, malnutrition and natural disasters. In response to these pressing needs, WHO, with support from Japan, will implement a 12-month project from March 2025 to February 2026 to provide essential health care services, with a focus on strengthening communicable disease surveillance, enhancing trauma care services and improving access to integrated primary health care in underserved and disaster-affected areas."This timely and generous contribution from the Government of Japan is vital for addressing Afghanistan's pressing health care needs,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador.“We appreciate this collaboration and continued trust which will help us deliver lifesaving health care services to those most in need and protect the lives of women and children who remain disproportionately affected by ongoing humanitarian crises.”The funding will allow WHO to deploy surveillance support teams to enhance disease detection and response across Afghanistan's 6 regions, provide trauma care training for frontline health workers and ensure the availability of essential medicines in primary health care facilities. By focusing on these priority areas, the project seeks to alleviate the burden on Afghanistan’s strained health care system and maintain the health of vulnerable populations."This contribution from the Government of Japan aims to support the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children, overcome the enormous health challenges facing them and guarantee easy access to basic health care services," said the Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan Mr Kuromiya Takayoshi."Through our partnership with WHO, we are working to ensure that lifesaving health care services reach those who need them most."WHO Afghanistan would like to extend its gratitude to the People and Government of Japan for their ongoing support to address urgent health challenges and improve the well-being of vulnerable communities across Afghanistan.For more information, please contact:Ajyal Sultany, Head of Communications, WHO Afghanistan
Email: sultanya@who.int
Mob: +93784812266Nourhan El-Nagdy, Communication Officer, WHO Afghanistan
Email: elnagdyn@who.int
Mob: +93783655635, filtered_html
Email: sultanya@who.int
Mob: +93784812266Nourhan El-Nagdy, Communication Officer, WHO Afghanistan
Email: elnagdyn@who.int
Mob: +93783655635, filtered_html
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Latest Resources
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Resources
24 September 2023
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