UNICEF: 21.9M Need Aid as Afghanistan Faces Massive Crisis

DID Press: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies in 2026, driven by years of conflict, economic fragility, and the gradual erosion of essential rights and public services.

According to the report, an estimated 21.9 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance this year—nearly half of the country’s population. Of that figure, more than 11.6 million are children, underscoring the scale of vulnerability among younger populations.

UNICEF noted that through its Mother and Child Cash Transfer Program, the agency has supported 52,934 households with pregnant and breastfeeding women, covering a total of 354,410 individuals in Samangan Province.

The report also highlighted preventive nutrition efforts, stating that 179,955 caregivers of young children received counseling on maternal, infant, and child nutrition. Additionally, 159,338 pregnant women were provided with multiple micronutrient supplements, while 350,200 children under five benefited from similar nutritional support.

Beyond nutrition, approximately 87,700 people gained access to safe drinking water through projects focused on building and rehabilitating sustainable water supply systems.

UNICEF emphasized that despite the persistence of humanitarian challenges, relief operations across Afghanistan remain ongoing.