Johanniter in Afghanistan

Why we are on site

Afghanistan has been marked by violent conflict and political instability for several decades. Clashes between state security forces and armed groups have left their mark: sowing deep fear and insecurity among the population. People have been displaced, especially from remote regions of the country. The affected communities are mostly cut off from national institutions and international aid.

Poor economic development leads to inadequate basic services. There is a lack of trained medical and nursing staff throughout the country. Drug trafficking plays an essential role in financing the conflict. 29.2 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid. By the end of 2022, some 5.7 million people had fled the country, and around 3,2 million people are internally displaced persons who seek refuge primarily in the capital Kabul. There they often live in very confined spaces under precarious conditions.

After the Taliban take power in the country in 2021 restrictive policies towards women and girls have further intensified. In addition to frequent natural disasters such as the earthquake in June 2022, the economic crisis continues to worsen: 20 million Afghans are suffering from acute food insecurity. In particular, the 3.2 million people displaced by the ongoing conflict in the country are extremely vulnerable.

What we achieve together with our partner organisations

Johanniter International has been supporting the people of Afghanistan since 2002. Together with our local partner organizations HADDAF and OHW, we are working in Kabul's informal settlements to ensure functioning health care and access to adequate water supplies and sanitation facilities. On the border with Pakistan, we support refugees and host communities in the health sector and provide psychosocial assistance. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities are the focus of our project activities.