Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, February 2024 – Afghanistan – ReliefWeb

This post was originally published on 3rd party site mentioned on the title ofthis site

HIGHLIGHTS

The 2024 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan faces a severe funding gap Pg. 01

Afghanistan’s ongoing struggle with climate change Pg. 02

Addressing the challenges of Kabul’s informal settlements requires durable solutions Pg. 03

THE 2024 AFGHANISTAN HUMANITARIAN NEEDS AND RESPONSE PLAN FACES A SEVERE FUNDING GAP

Afghanistan continues to face a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by an array of challenges, ranging from the longterm effects of decades of war to protracted displacement, chronic underdevelopment, poverty and food insecurity to natural disasters and climate change. Despite a reduction in active hostilities, the country remains in dire need of assistance to address the pressing needs of the population.
In 2024, an estimated 23.7 million people, including 5.9 million women and 5.4 million men, require humanitarian aid. To address these needs, humanitarian partners in Afghanistan released the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) in December 2023 prioritizing life-saving assistance such as food aid, safe drinking water, healthcare, education and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) assistance for the 17.3 million most vulnerable individuals. However, despite the scale and severity of needs now present, only US$238 million has been received towards the HNRP’s requirements of $3.06 billion to date, representing just 7.8 per cent of overall resourcing. This severe funding gap jeopardizes the implementation of vital humanitarian interventions.
In 2023, despite limited funding, humanitarian partners in Afghanistan managed to assist 32.1 million people with at least one type of assistance.
This included 26.3 million individuals receiving food and livelihood support, 16.5 million with healthcare, 9.9 million with WASH, 5.7 million children and pregnant/lactating women with nutrition assistance, 3.5 million with protection support, 2 million children with education and 1 million with emergency shelter and non-food items.
The substantial deficit in funding places the lives and well-being of millions at risk. A recent funding gaps analysis conducted by the ICCT in March has revealed a decline in the quality, coverage and timeliness of urgent and lifesaving food assistance, nutrition and basic health services, especially in remote and hard-toreach areas. Previous responses to crises, including Herat earthquakes, returnees and floods, have depleted resources, limiting support for future disasters. Additionally, there has been insufficient investment in critical shelter services and infrastructure, alongside reduced protection services, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of harm and exploitation.
Overall, The humanitarian situation is dire and requires urgent action and funding to address the overwhelming humanitarian needs. Without immediate and sustained donor contributions, vulnerable individuals particularly women, children and the elderly will face potentially dire consequences.