KABUL (SW) – International aid to Afghanistan has fallen short of the required amount, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance in the country.
Despite efforts to secure funding, only 7.8% of the requested $3.6 billion for lifesaving aid in Afghanistan has been received, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
On Wednesday, this organization stated that the humanitarian aid in Afghanistan has been reduced due to the lack of more funds.
“In 2024, an estimated 23.7 million people need urgent aid. However, severe funding gaps are restricting vital humanitarian interventions. Without adequate funding, vulnerable individuals, particularly women, children, and the elderly will face potentially dire consequences,” OCHA wrote on its official X account.
Officials from the Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate, however, call for continued humanitarian assistance to support the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasizes the importance of international investment in entrepreneurial programs in Afghanistan.
“Continued humanitarian assistance in vulnerable areas can have economic implications and can be effective in providing relief to those in need,” says Habibi. “Our request to international organizations is to focus on developmental projects that create opportunities for employment and economic growth.”
Despite differing opinions on the most effective approach to aid, some economic experts argue that humanitarian assistance remains crucial for preventing hunger-related deaths and addressing the needs of Afghan citizens.
Azarakhsh Hafezi, an economic expert, highlights, “With the change in government, aid has decreased, and developmental projects have been halted. Humanitarian aid remains the primary means of providing relief and preventing hunger-related deaths.”
Experts believe, as the country continues to face economic and humanitarian challenges, international support remains vital in providing lifesaving aid and promoting stability in Afghanistan.
