Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan

The people of Afghanistan are caught in a humanitarian crisis. Three decades of war have compromised the national healthcare system, and have contributed to a sharp rise in unemployment. The country faces major challenges, which have been brought on by outbreaks of violence, political instability, extreme poverty, and a recurrence of natural disasters.

Poverty and Natural Disasters Shape Afghanistan

Afghanistan is on the brink of economic ruin, and considered one of the poorest nations in the world. One third of the population lives below the poverty line in devastated regions. Natural disasters pose an additional threat to the citizens as earthquakes, storms, flooding, and extreme droughts result in loss of harvests, and lead to subsequent malnutrition.

Infant Mortality and Illiteracy Slow Development

The country’s rebuilding efforts are hindered by a desperate lack of medical care, and a poor education system. Only 23 % of Afghans have access to clean drinking water or national healthcare. In Afghanistan, every fourth child dies before it reaches the age of five, and the maternal death rate ranks second highest in the world. The nation’s high rate of illiteracy is a serious obstacle to development. It is estimated that only one quarter of Afghans can read and write.

Johanniter International Assistance at Work

Johanniter has been actively involved in Afghanistan since 2002, and has provided medicine and medical equipment to several hospitals in Kabul and Herat. Johanniter also conducted first aid trainings, and trained healthcare workers for employment in rural regions.

Currently, Johanniter International Assistance conducted community disaster preparedness trainings in the province of Balkh in northern Afghanistan, which will ready the population for future disasters. In addition, Johanniter installed  early warning systems to alert civilians of impending flooding. Johanniter also distributed blankets and plastic tarps in the slums of Kabul, which inhabitants use to keep warm, and to winterise their clay huts and plastic tents.

Please click here for additional information pertaining to disaster preparedness in northern Afghanistan.

Please click here for additional information pertaining to Winter Aid in Afghanistan.

Please refer to the table below for information on current Johanniter International Assistance projects in Afghanistan.