The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that Afghanistan requires $1.71 billion this year to address humanitarian needs, but so far only $269 million equivalent to 16% of the total has been secured.
In a statement, OCHA warned that this severe funding shortfall could disrupt the delivery of essential aid and deprive millions of people of access to critical support.
At the same time, the U.S.-based organization “Data for Afghanistan” reported that more than 11 million people in Afghanistan are expected to face crisis-level food insecurity or worse this year. According to the report, a large number of families and workers across the country still lack the ability to meet their basic food needs.
The report adds that between April and September 2026, more than 11 million people will be in “crisis,” “emergency,” or “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity. It also identifies the provinces of Badakhshan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daikundi, Faryab, Ghor, Jawzjan, Kunar, and Sar-e Pol as among the most vulnerable areas, where at least 40% of the population faces severe food insecurity.
According to the report, Jawzjan province has the highest level of severe food insecurity among all provinces, with around half of its vulnerable population living in crisis or worse conditions. It is followed by Faryab, Daikundi, and Ghor at 45% each, and Bamyan, Balkh, Sar-e Pol, Kunar, and Badakhshan at 40%.
The report emphasizes that declining purchasing power remains one of the main challenges for the people of Afghanistan, and warns that if funding shortages and lack of urgent support continue, the humanitarian and food situation in the country could deteriorate further.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
