Afghanistan humanitarian crisis: Governments must ensure aid reaches those most in need

As talks focusing on Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis begin in Oslo today, ActionAid is calling on all governments to ensure that life-saving support can reach the communities most in need.

Sudipta Kumar, Country Director of ActionAid Afghanistan, says:  

“The situation is grave for communities in all provinces of Afghanistan. Freezing temperatures and heavy snowstorms are intensifying an already devastating humanitarian crisis, with more than half of all Afghans facing severe hunger and malnutrition. 

“The banking crisis is hurting everyone and restricting the life-saving distribution of humanitarian support. Even those who remain in work are unable to afford to feed their families. High levels of inflation have seen the price of essential items like oil and rice soar.

“All governments must work to address these crises. It is essential that cash flow into the country is restored so that humanitarian organisations can operate without restrictions. All humanitarian workers must have unrestricted access to the communities most in need.”

ActionAid is aiming to reach 10,000 families in four provinces of Afghanistan, including Herat, Kabul, Ghor and Balkh, with emergency support this winter.

This is focused on cash support to enable families to buy food and essential items such as fuel, heating equipment, winter clothing and blankets, as temperatures plummet across Afghanistan. Women are receiving hygiene kits with essential items including soap and sanitary pads.

ActionAid is also providing psychosocial counselling support to people whose lives are being devastated by conflict, severe drought, and rising hunger.

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For more information and interviews contact Jenna.Pudelek@actionaid.org or call +44 (0)7795 642 990.