Afghanistan humanitarian aid targets for water and sanitation face major funding gaps

Humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan are struggling to meet water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) targets due to severe funding shortages, drought, and disease risks. As of the end of July, approximately 2.43 million people have received assistance, representing only about 31% of the 7.8 million people targeted for support this year.

The Afghanistan Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Cluster, co-led by UNICEF and DACAAR, reported that while over 252,800 people received safe water for drinking and hygiene in July alone, administrative constraints and declining resources are limiting the reach of aid. Pressure on services is being further exacerbated by large-scale returns of Afghans from neighboring countries and the risk of acute watery diarrhea outbreaks.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the region, with Amy Martin, head of OCHA in Afghanistan, calling for sustained international solidarity. OCHA warned that the combination of economic hardship, displacement, and natural disasters is driving up demand for essential services like food, healthcare, and shelter at a time when available resources are dwindling.