Years of conflict, compounded by worsening food insecurity, recurring natural disasters, the impacts of climate change and mass returns of displaced people, have left around 45 percent of the population – or some 21.9 million people – in need of humanitarian assistance next year.
Among them, 17.5 million people – more than three-quarters of whom are women and children – received priority support as part of the coordinated response.
Basic nutrition and hygiene
Food security and sanitation remain among the most urgent needs.
THE Humanitarian needs and response plan in Afghanistan projects that during the 2025-2026 lean season, more than a third of the Afghan population will face crisis level or worse food insecurity, as defined by the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC).
This means that many households will only be able to meet their minimum food needs by depleting their essential livelihoods – a sharp deterioration from the previous year.
The current drought has also led to the loss of almost 80 percent of rainfed wheat crops in several regions, leaving many families without food stocks for the winter.
Sanitary conditions are equally dire: an estimated 25 percent of households relied on unimproved water sources this year, while 37 percent lacked soap for basic hygiene.
The response will prioritize water, sanitation and hygiene needs in areas most affected by drought, cholera outbreaks, disasters and large-scale returns.
Returning home in case of crisis
Afghanistan faces one of the largest and fastest growing returnee displacement crises in the world, with an estimated five million people returning to the country this year.
More than 2.6 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, largely due to tougher migration policies and deteriorating protection conditions.
Many returned to districts already struggling with poverty, food insecurity, drought and limited access to basic services, further straining local capacities.
More help for less
In 2026, humanitarian partners aim to reach more people with fewer resources.
The $1.71 billion required represents a 29 percent reduction from the resources needed in 2025. Still, it aims to be about 4 percent higher than last year’s target.
These changes were “driven by more precise prioritization, notable efficiency gains and a strategic move away from costly and less sustainable interventions,” notes the response plan.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
