Afghanistan

50% of the population needs humanitarian assistance in 2025

14.8 million people face acute food insecurity

21 million people lack adequate access to drinking water and sanitation

136,850 people assisted

Four years after the Taliban seized power, Afghanistan remains deeply scarred by the combined effects of decades of conflict and the consequences of climate change.

The humanitarian situation remains extremely worrying: the collapse of the economy, ongoing international sanctions, the dysfunctional banking and hospital systems, the deterioration of livelihoods, and the growing impact of climate hazards are seriously undermining the resilience of the population.

The prolonged drought, which has affected the country for more than four years, is having potentially irreversible consequences. These include the mass displacement of populations unable to access sufficient water resources or continue their agricultural activities, as well as the resurgence of waterborne diseases, particularly affecting children and pregnant women.

According to the latest United Nations estimates, nearly 22.9 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2025, representing almost half of Afghanistan’s population. Among them, 14.8 million face acute food insecurity, and 21 million do not have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation services. Women and girls are among the most vulnerable groups, due to severe restrictions limiting their access to education, healthcare, employment, and public life. As a result, Afghanistan now ranks last in UN Women’s global gender equality ranking, coming in 146th out of 146 countries in terms of economic, political, educational, and health equality.

44 million inhabitants
182nd out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index

Mission
opened in 1980, 2021
Team 8 international staff
98 national staff
Budget 4M€

In 2024, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL strengthened its response to the multiple crises affecting Afghanistan. Among the major challenges are the consequences of the climate crisis (floods, harsher winters, drought), the massive influx of returnees from Pakistan, and the increase in waterborne diseases, including cholera, linked to lack of access to water and poor sanitation.

To address these issues, the association has continued its efforts to reduce the risks associated with natural disasters, committing to a sustainable approach aimed at strengthening communities’ resilience to climate hazards and the increasing scarcity of natural resources. The organization has also facilitated access to drinking water for people living in the most remote areas, which are often arid or mountainous.

As part of its efforts to strengthen resilience in the face of crises, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL supported the most vulnerable populations, particularly women, in developing agricultural and pastoral activities. These initiatives have not only improved food security through a more diversified diet (particularly in vegetables and protein) but have also promoted the development of local economic activities, thereby contributing to greater household autonomy.

In 2024, the NGO also joined the Afghanistan Water Platform, a World Bank initiative promoting the sharing of knowledge and experience among humanitarian actors. This membership confirms the association’s key role as a major player in the water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) sector in the country, particularly as the leader of the working group on hygiene promotion.

Finally, as part of its localization strategy, the organization continued to develop strong partnerships with national actors, ensuring the sustainability, cultural relevance, and quality of the actions implemented.

Partners

Institutional and private funding partners ECHO, BHA, CDCS, Afghan Humanitarian Fund (AHF)
Operating partners MEDAIR