Afghanistan is facing extreme economic hardship. Four decades of political conflict coinciding with the worst drought in the past 30 years, in terms of geographic scale, has intensified the millions of already vulnerable people suffering in Afghanistan. The war, combined with an already dire situation of increasing hunger, economic decline, price increases in food and other essential needs has spiked the rising poverty in Afghanistan. Two severe droughts in four years has drastically affected food production, livestock and rural livelihoods which has left in excess of 24 million people, more than half the population, in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
With rampant unemployment and food prices spiralling out of control, it is predicted that 97% of Afghanistan’s population will be pushed into extreme poverty by the end of June 2022. While a recent WFP (World Food Programme) report indicates that 95% percent of Afghans are facing unprecedented levels of hunger amidst widespread food shortages. More than 8 million people are just one step away from famine, 3 million children under five are expected to suffer from malnutrition, and 1 million of these children are at risk of dying. The severe circumstances are rapidly deteriorating and the need has increased making the assistance to Afghanistan even greater.
Islamic Relief has been present and working in Afghanistan since 1999 delivering vital humanitarian and life-changing development assistance. We are on the ground, delivering lifesaving aid in 5 provinces: Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, Bamyan and Balkh focused on supporting the most vulnerable such as women, children, people with disabilities, and older people.
We are also running eight mobile health teams, which provide the only source of healthcare for many people living in the country’s most remote rural areas. This includes hygiene and water storage kits, to help prevent the spread of illness and disease. The psychological impact of the crisis unfolding, and years of conflict has taken its toll on the people Afghanistan. We have noted this and are providing people with home visits and psychosocial support during these challenging times.
Since August 2021, Islamic Relief has distributed a total of more than 29 000 food packs, 810 winterization packages, 2,350 NFI kits, 2,100 hygiene kits, 1,700 water storage kits, 6,200 agricultural input kits and 1,195 goats as part of livelihood focused interventions. The team has also provided healthcare essentials to more than 30 000 patients, distributed 385 new-born baby kits, 1,397 Covid-19 infection prevention kits and 930 people have received psychosocial support. Islamic Relief is also funding towards empowering and employing local communities in the rehabilitation of 198 agricultural irrigation systems by the end of 2022. This employment will provide more than 15,000 families with the cash they need to purchase their essentials for their survival.
Your support has enabled us to be present and at the sides of vulnerable families providing and caring for them. You have the power to make a difference in the lives of millions in dire need. With your support, we can continue to provide vital aid to more vulnerable families.
“Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve them of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement.”
– Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
