UN Warns Water and Sanitation Crisis Threatens 16M Afghans

DID Press: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that millions of people in Afghanistan will face severe shortages of safe drinking water and sanitation services this year, highlighting a deepening humanitarian crisis.

According to OCHA’s latest assessment, an estimated 16 million people across Afghanistan require water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) assistance during the current year, underscoring the scale of humanitarian needs nationwide.

The report notes that inadequate water supply and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved communities, continues to affect the daily lives of millions of Afghans.

OCHA warned that the ongoing lack of access to clean water and basic sanitation could have serious public health consequences, with children among the most vulnerable groups.

The agency identified rising risks of infectious diseases, malnutrition and waterborne illnesses as major concerns linked to deteriorating living conditions.

It further stressed that declining access to safe water, combined with limited basic health services, is placing additional pressure on Afghan households and increasing the urgency for humanitarian assistance and investment in critical infrastructure.