Afghanistan, marked by decades of war and the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, faces an acute humanitarian, economic, and social crisis.

Currency devaluation, high unemployment, and insufficient humanitarian funding have exacerbated the situation for the 22.9 million people in need of vital assistance in 2024, in a context where humanitarian space is already limited. The national ban on women working with non-governmental organisations in December 2022 (except those in health and education sectors) profoundly affected Action Against Hunger’s programmes. In 2024, teams had to be increasingly creative and adaptive, continuing with adjustments made in 2023 to pursue their mandate despite the ban.

With funding from various institutional and private donors, Action Against Hunger assisted nearly 554,000 people in the provinces of Kabul, Badakhshan, Daykundi, Ghor, Helmand, and Urozgan. Assistance was provided through an integrated approach across Health and Nutrition, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Food Security and Livelihoods, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sectors. Action Against Hunger managed around 50 health facilities, including seven Therapeutic Feeding Units (TFU), 40 health centers and posts, five women’s spaces, and a national toll-free hotline for psychological support.

As part of this integrated approach, we provided primary healthcare, promoted psychosocial well-being, delivered essential WASH services, and ensured preventive and curative care for children under five and pregnant and lactating women.