Islamic Relief has secured $22 million from the United Nations Development Programme to support vulnerable families in Afghanistan. The funding will help rebuild local economies and provide nearly 160,000 families with the means to buy food and cover their everyday needs.
Extreme poverty threatens most Afghans
Afghanistan is suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis amid drought, conflict and political instability, with predictions that 97% of Afghanistan’s population will be pushed into extreme poverty by June.
Many people do not know where their next meal is coming from. Food has been running out and food prices skyrocketing. This has led to an increase in malnutrition, particularly among women and children.
The conflict in Ukraine is likely to exacerbate this already dire situation, as disrupted supplies of staple foods from Ukraine and Russia make essentials like wheat and cooking oil increasingly expensive.
Helping local people rebuild livelihoods and lives in Afghanistan
The United Nations Development Programme funding will enable us to employ local people to repair nearly 200 agricultural irrigation systems by the end of the year. The initiative is expected to be a significant boost to local livelihoods.
Islamic Relief has already delivered nearly 30,000 life-saving food packages to vulnerable families, as well as other essential items such as blankets and warm clothes amid harsh winter conditions.
We are providing healthcare and psychosocial support to those in need, as well as hygiene kits to help combat the spread of Covid-19.
We are also providing farmers with water storage kits, seeds and goats so they can earn a living once more, and begin rebuilding their lives.
Islamic Relief has been a lifeline for the people of Afghanistan since 1999, providing emergency relief and long-term development.
