Return of Afghans from Pakistan could worsen already dire humanitarian situation

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 14 April 2025 - After decades of seeking refuge in Pakistan, up to a million Afghans could face return to Afghanistan following a directive by the government of Pakistan which would require all Afghans without valid visas to leave the country by 31 March 2025.In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) to address the immediate and longer-term needs of 50,000 people. The IFRC has allocated an initial 750,000 Swiss Francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to enable the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) to provide shelter, emergency health services, food and water, all of which are in desperately short supply for Afghans returning from Pakistan.The humanitarian needs of people returning to Afghanistan are high. Many have abandoned their livelihoods and personal belongings in Pakistan. Children, many of whom are already malnourished, need specialized care. Many families have been separated during the journey and need support to restore family links. Longer term support will also be needed to help people to re-establish their lives in Afghanistan. This latest development comes on top of already high numbers of people returning to Afghanistan. Since September 2023, almost 850,000 people have already returned from Pakistan in addition to significant numbers of Afghans also returning from Iran, according to UN data. (Source: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/afghanistan).Mawlawi Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, the Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), emphasized the urgent need for action.“People returning are facing numerous challenges that they cannot navigate alone. Women and children represent a significant portion of those returning, and ensuring their safety and well-being must be our top priority. As a local organisation with a presence across the country, our aim is to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help people rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.”Ahmed Suliman, the interim Head of Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Afghanistan, expressed concern about the potential scale of the crisis:“This dynamic situation will impact millions of people. Addressing immediate needs - such as food, healthcare, and shelter – is our top priority, while also planning to support people in the longer-term. The IFRC and National Societies are working alongside ARCS to tackle these challenges and provide tailored support people most in need.”Currently, conditions in Afghanistan are not conducive for sustainable return and reintegration of large numbers of people, amid high levels of malnutrition and a struggling economy. There are also millions of internally displaced people in the country. Existing humanitarian support is insufficient to meet current needs and will only come under more pressure as higher numbers of people return. In Afghanistan, support for people returning is part of a broader humanitarian response, addressing the needs of both returnees and communities in places of return. The Afghan Red Crescent Society, as a local humanitarian organisation, is well placed to understand the evolving needs and priorities of returnees at various points along the return process. IFRC emphasizes that all returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified.   IFRC also calls on the international community to provide adequate support to meet the growing humanitarian needs of people returning to Afghanistan.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]  For more information on IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund: https://www.ifrc.org/happening-now/emergency-appeals/ifrc-disaster-response-emergency-fundIn Afghanistan:  Sayed Eshaq Muqbel: +93 70 733 6040In Kuala Lumpur: Lili Chin: +60 16 234 0872In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Afghanistan: One year after devastating quakes in 2023, residents get keys to a new life

It was a celebration of resilience and the possibility of a new life. In early November 2024, people in the Gulran and Zinda Jan districts of Herat, Afghanistan, gathered to mark the completion of 288 newly built homes.The new dwellings were constructed by the Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC and other local partners for people who lost their homes due to a devastating series of quakes that hit the region in October 2023.Attended by staff members of the IFRC, the Afghan Red Crescent, the provincial governor of Herat, and local media, the event also acknowledged the resilience of families who faced so much devastation after the earthquake – some losing many family members.After receiving the keys to their new homes, the families began the process of moving in.“We are so happy to have a new home,” said Fahima, a 45-year-old woman whose family now has a safe place to live. “We have been staying in tents, but now we have proper shelter.”“When the earthquake wiped away our house and belongings, we lost everything,”she added. “We struggled to find food to survive, and our children had to sleep in tents. We are eight family members, and now, with this home, our lives are so much better compared to what we endured before the earthquake.” ‘Terrifying nights’Gulalai (not her real name), from Shakar Ab village in the Gulran District, says the new shelter offers her family a chance to start again."We are a family of 11," she shared, recalling the chaotic moments during the quake. “When the earthquake struck, we fled our home and sought refuge outdoors. We faced terrifying nights in makeshift accommodations, terrified for our safety. At least now we have a proper home just nearby, and I can say with certainty that we are going to start a new life in our new home.”Before getting access to her new home, she and her three children resorted to huddling together under a tattered blanket. The weight of fear and helplessness as they struggled to endure the cold nights without shelter or security still plagues her.The 40-year-old mother's home in Zinda Jan was reduced to ruins by a disaster that left its mark across four provinces, claiming over 2,000 lives and ravaging 382 villages in ten districts.In the wake of the disaster, the IFRC developed a comprehensive shelter strategy in which support was provided through conditional cash grants, with people from the affected communities carrying out the construction work. They were aided by masons, volunteers, social mobilisers, and engineers from ARCS and IFRC.Religious scholars and key community members were also included in many stages of the planning and execution.“It took about seven months, and the shelter work was completed,” says Hafiz Sadat, an IFRC Senior Shelter Officer who managed the project and provided technical support to the ARCS team.‘It was catastrophic’Ghulam Mahboob, a 45-year-old resident of Shakar Ab village, reflects on the devastation caused by the earthquake."It was catastrophic; many people lost their lives and their homes," he says. "We had no choice but to live for a very long time in the tent provided by the ARCS. Well, our shelters are finally ready, and we are very grateful to ARCS and everyone who helped address our most pressing needs. We still face urgent challenges in other areas, such as access to electricity, clean drinking water, and education for our children."At the onset of the earthquake, the IFRC shelter, and disaster response teams were deployed to the impacted areas and, in collaboration with the ARCS, emergency items, cash, psychosocial support were delivered to the affected families.While medical care, psychosocial support, water and sanitation were the most immediate needs, there were other needs as many of the people who kept family and community life going lost their lives during the quake.“Both my sons have lost their wives in the earthquake,”said one elderly man. “Not only is there is no one to help make bread for the family, but there is no cooking and heating equipment as well. My sons and I must go outside of the village to earn a living.”Even with the new homes, therefore, the families still face many challenges ahead. For this reason, the IFRC and ARCS continue their commitment to accompany the impacted families in their path to recovery.That support has been consistent since the beginning. With support from the IFRC, the ARCS has reached 2,100 households with emergency shelters and household items such as tents or tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets and sleeping pads. Overall, the ARCS provided a wide range of assistance to more than 87,000 people.Much of this support was made possible by resources mobilized through a comprehensive IFRC Emergency Appeal that addressed the impacts of multiple shocks, including severe drought, flooding, public health emergencies, economic hardship and the Herat earthquakes. See a more detailed description of the appeal and response operations here.Text by IFRC senior communications officers Sayed Eshaq Muqbel and Rachel Punitha

Afghanistan: Child malnutrition amidst economic hardship and climate disasters

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva – Mobile health teams and fixed clinics run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society are recording alarming cases of acute malnutrition in children, especially in areas where communities are concurrently facing household economic instability, in addition to bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters and the effects of a decades-long conflict.Data from ARCS health facilities and anecdotal accounts shared by Red Crescent frontliner staff and volunteers underline the calls made by other humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF and Save the Children, that funding support is critical to saving the lives of thousands of children. Estimates provided in the beginning of the year indicated that some 2.9 million children aged under five could suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “The scale of malnutrition in our country is staggering, based on the numbers our mobile health teams and fixed clinics are registering. Severe acute malnutrition can be fatal if left untreated so it is imperative that we take urgent action to save as many lives as we can.”As part of their routine services, ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics undertake malnutrition screening, distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), provide education to communities on how to prevent malnutrition, and refer severe cases for treatment by specialised agencies or in better-equipped hospitals.“Our frontline workers are telling us that dozens of children are not getting timely treatment because our Movement partners have not received sufficient funding to scale up services. This cruel reality leaves three unfortunate options for children who are at most risk: stunted growth, wastage, or death. We must do our best, collectively, to ensure better options for our children,” adds Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is releasing 500,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to contribute to urgent life-saving interventions by ARCS.Necephor Mghendi, Head of IFRC Afghanistan Delegation, who visited some of the ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics in Kandahar two weeks ago, says: “Within the span of an hour I spent with Red Crescent frontliners operating a mobile health team in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar, two out of five children screened had severe acute malnutrition. Parents of these children said they lacked adequate income to obtain food, had already sold assets to survive, and that humanitarian assistance was their last resort.”“Malnutrition in early childhood could lead to long-term physical or cognitive disability. We need to prevent these lasting impacts on children we are able to assist, together with the ARCS,” Necephor Mghendi adds.The IFRC and ARCS are also rolling out programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of communities and preparing them to withstand future difficulties, such as climate shocks like drought and harsh winters.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “Even as we support affected children to receive urgent treatment, we must provide durable solutions in a manner that also tackles root-causes and vulnerabilities. These communities have faced head-on crises one after another, yet with sustained multisector support we can support them to become self-reliant and more resilient.”Longer-term ARCS programmes integrate primary and community health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, livelihood assistance, disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction measures, support for widows, and climate change adaptation, among others.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Afghanistan: Sayed Eshaq Muqbel +93 707 336 040In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Hannah Copeland +41 76 236 9109

Afghanistan: Floods 2024

Afghanistan: Floods

On 10 May 2024, flash floods swept across multiple provinces in the northeast region of Afghanistan. As of 12 May 2024, based on the Afghan Red Crescent Society rapid assessment, over 230 fatalities have been reported and numbers are expected to rise as many are still reported missing. More than 9,500 families have been affected with an estimated 250 injured and 50 people missing. An estimated 9,100 livestock and close to 20,800 acres of agricultural land were destroyed. The nationwide impact is estimated to exceed one million people.

Severe flooding in Afghanistan escalates humanitarian needs

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/GenevaThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is scaling up an emergency response to deal with the latest series of deadly floods in Afghanistan which have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation.Unusually heavy spring rains and floods have killed hundreds and destroyed thousands of homes and livestock. Over half of Afghanistan, 25 out of 34 provinces, has been affected, with Baghlan province alone suffering over 200 fatalities so far. Thousands of displaced people have no homes to return to after their houses were swept away.Volunteers of the ARCS were among the first responders on the scene, supporting rescue efforts, bringing men, women and children to safer locations. They’ve also been providing hot meals and sleeping items to those fleeing the deluge. The IFRC, working hand in hand with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), has mobilized additional relief goods from the capital.The Afghan Red Crescent is scaling up its effort to ensure cooked meals and temporary shelter for those displaced, emergency health services, and other forms of assistance.This latest disaster is happening within the context of what is already one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, where communities are already barely able to cope.“The level of suffering in Afghanistan is already beyond words. Our emergency response will focus on life-saving essential needs, while also gearing to support affected households in early recovery as well as equipping first responders to cope better with rapid onset disasters in the future”, said Necephor Mghendi, Head of the IFRC Country Delegation.“This new disaster is piling yet more pressure on a country already battered”. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, the Acting President of Afghan Red Crescent Society, added:“Our volunteers were the first on the scene and have excellent knowledge of the area and needs. Our focus is now on making sure we can act as fast as possible to support the victims, bearing in mind the scale of the floods across the country and that there may yet be worse to come. Many of those affected are extremely poor and will be waiting and looking toward our support”.International support is urgently needed to scale up this response. On 4 May, the IFRC allocated 750,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) for the initial response. However, the DREF-financed operation covers only 11 provinces of the 25 affected provinces, excluding Baghlan, and much more needs to be done.In coordination with the ARCS and other partners of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the IFRC has dispatched multi-sector teams to the hardest-hit areas for relief aid and rapid assessments. These teams are also focused on delivering emergency health services, distributing food and non-food items and establishing temporary shelters.The rains followed an uncharacteristically late winter and cold wave and have significantly impacted lives and livelihoods – particularly the agriculture and livestock sectors.The IFRC response to the floods will not only focus on immediate relief efforts but also support recovery operations across the impacted regions. This includes providing emergency shelter, healthcare, water, hygiene, and sanitation support, and supporting people to rebuild as well as restore their livelihoods.“The floods are yet another reminder that the international community needs to have a radical rethink about its approach to Afghanistan by tackling the root causes of vulnerabilities. This includes investing in strengthening early warning systems, capacity building, and programmes that can spur economic regeneration so that communities can respond better to future similar shocks with resources available locally,” Necephor Mghendi added.The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal for 5 million Swiss francs to fund critical interventions and to scale up the ARCS's ability to assist affected populations. The appeal also supports the foundation for programmes to address long-term recovery and resilience, considering that the scale and frequency of climate-related events will increase.More informationTo request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances: +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67Andrew Thomas: +41 763676587

IFRC: Urgent need to rethink humanitarian approach in Afghanistan

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Doha/Geneva, 3 May 2024 – The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is gravely deteriorating, and a new approach is urgently needed. Without a radical rethink of approaches to humanitarian aid, the root causes of the crisis cannot be tackled sustainably. Time and funding are running out.The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society are calling for an urgent strategic reset in humanitarian approaches to Afghanistan. This call comes ahead of a partnership meeting hosted in Doha by the Afghan Red Crescent Society in cooperation with the Qatar Red Crescent Society and attended by participating national societies from Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, and Türkiye, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, the Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, said:"Communities are lurching from crisis to crisis at a time when their resilience is sub-zero and their coping mechanisms are exhausted. We ask our valued partners to take a long-term view and commit to tackling the root causes of the humanitarian crisis sustainably by investing in Afghan capacity, people, and systems.”“The needs of over 24 million people are vast and interconnected. Many have been caused by a combination of lingering impacts from decades-long conflict, climate shocks, and a deep economic crisis. The country’s resources are stretched, but capacities exist, and it is important that solutions are implemented to address the root causes of all these overlapping needs.”Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, has recently visited some of the life-changing programs delivered by the Afghan Red Crescent Society for women and children in Kabul and Kandahar. Speaking from the capital, he said:“We have been responding with emergency aid in Afghanistan for years now, and it is time for a rethink. We need to focus on Afghan institutions like the Afghan Red Crescent, which have a permanent role in the country. Their capacity is durable and will serve people before and after aid operations. We need to adapt our programming to focus on resilience and economic independence while still showing solidarity and providing assistance after sudden shocks like the Herat earthquake and the current floods.”He went on to reiterate the IFRC’s call for investment in people:“With limited access to education and jobs, we need a focus on youth, on professional and vocational training, and other learning opportunities—interventions designed to boost confidence and give hope. Otherwise, the future really does look grim.”More information:To request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Afghanistan:Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy: +93 747 407 027In Kuala Lumpur:Lili Chin: +6016 2340872In Geneva:Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06

World Immunization Week: Delivering vaccines and trustworthy information to communities around the world

A mother of four and restaurant owner from Dabola, in central Guinea, Diaraye says she felt scared about vaccines. She didn’t think she had enough information and she’d heard rumours about harmful side effects.Several health workers came to visit her to try and convince her to vaccinate her newborn, Madiou, but she still felt uneasy.That was until she met Bérété, a Guinea Red Cross supervisor with theCommunity Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).A mother herself, Bérété connected with Diaraye and patiently explained how vaccinating her own children has kept them safe from diseases. She responded sensitively to Diaraye’s concerns.Newly informed and confident, Diaraye agreed for Bérété to take baby Madiou for his first immunizations. Since then, Diaraye has become a champion for vaccination within her community.“My advice to mothers is to agree to their children getting vaccinated," says Diaraye. "Since the Red Cross came to help me vaccinate my baby, I’ve seen that it’s good for children. And I tell all mothers to go and get their children vaccinated at the health centre.”A global story, playing out locally, house-by-houseDiaraya’s story is far from unique. People around the world often don’t have access to life-saving vaccines, do not have all the facts about how they work, or don’t know who they can trust to give them accurate and unbiased information.This is why trusted community organizations, like Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are playing a critical role in reaching out at the local level, providing trustworthy information while enabling access to vaccines in places that are underserved by health services. In many cases, they are in the midst of ongoing emergencies.This year, World Immunization Week revolves around the theme of Humanly Possible, also the name of a global campaign to celebrate and build on the achievements made in protecting people from preventable diseases during the last 75 years.For its part, the IFRC is redoubling efforts to bring awareness and vaccines to people in vulnerable situations — conflict, outbreaks, forced migration, natural disaster — or who lack access to immunization services for whatever reason.The approach varies to meet the specific situation of each county. They also span the globe, from National Societies in Guinea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, andKyrgyzstan,and many others. Here are a few more examples of the ways Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are taking on a wide range of very different immunization challenges.Philippine Red Cross takes on another measles outbreakThe Philippine Red Cross Society (PRCS) has been supporting the government of ThePhilippinesin responding to a measles outbreak by vaccinating more than 15,000 children ages 6 months to below 10 years old with measles vaccine.As of April 14, 2024, the Philippine Red Cross has vaccinated more than 15,500 children, mobilizing a total of 131 volunteers (35 vaccinators and 96 support volunteers) in 85 communities in four provinces.The PRCS’ measles outbreak response is being donein collaboration with the ICRC, which also has a long-time presence in theBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, an area where people are impacted by internal conflict. Because of low immunization rates in the area, It's also one of the main places in the country where the measles outbreak is happening.The PRCShas been part of other polio and measles outbreak responses and plans to expand this current operation by deploying vaccination teams from other chapters, with the help ofresources from the IFRC and the United States Center for Disease Control.Using innovation to improve access to immunization in ThailandThe Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS), meanwhile, has been using technology in innovative ways tobring immunization services to people who would not otherwise have access to immunization services.In Thailand, many displaced people and undocumented residents are living without proper forms of identification required to access vaccination services. To address the health gap, TRCS partnered with the Department of Disease Control of the Ministry of Public Health and Thailand’s National Electronics and Computer Technology Center to develop the Thai Red Cross Biometric Authentication System.This system uses a biometric authentication system, using face and iris recognition technology — while still ensuring data privacy — to accurately identify and register vaccine recipients.This allows people without official documentation to still receive vaccines and it enables a way to keep a record of the vaccinations received.Using this technology, TRCS reached 20,000 adolescent girls (specifically ethnic minorities, migrants, and refugees) living in temporary shelters across the country with 40,000 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This helped to significantly decrease their chances of getting HPV, a major, but vaccine-preventable cause of cervical cancer.If this can be expanded, more displaced persons and undocumented residents can be assured to have access to their next essential vaccine, such as a booster shot.Local presence, ready to prevent and respondOver the long term, immunization campaigns are only fully effective if they are of high quality and result in high rates of coverage. The challenge now is to improve and strengthen routine immunisation to better prevents future outbreaks, while also ensuring there is capacity in place to respond quickly and engage communities — if and when outbreaks occur.This is why the work of National Societies is so critical. As national organizations with widespread local presence, they are ideally suited to work with local and national health authorities and communities to build trust while delivering consistent access to immunization. The video below shows how the Pakistan Red Crescent brings immunization through local clinics.Back in Guinea, Red Cross volunteer Bérété continues to visit Diaraye to make sure her son Madiou is doing well, as part of her work engaging members of her community on how to protect themselves and their families.“We keep supporting her, because every time I send her child to hospital to be vaccinated, I never forget to follow up,”explains Bérété. “Every morning I come to see her to check on the child. Because you can’t just vaccinate a child and leave without following up. If she can see that you are there for her at all times, she will have the courage” to keep up with necessary immunizations in the future.

World Immunization Week: Afghan Red Crescent mobile health teams bring life-saving immunization and care to people in remote areas

Muhammad Taher, a 40-year-old farmer and his family of eight children, is among the many families who have received life-saving immunization and medical care from Afghan Red Crescent Society mobile health teams.Getting any sort of healthcare in Muhammad Taher’s district, Nahr Seraj of Helmand province, has been a tremendous challenge for decades. Nahr Seraj is four-hour drive from the nearest city, Lashkar Gah, southwestern Afghanistan.For more than two decades now, public health care services in Afghanistan have relied on international financing while the last mile is delivered by various local humanitarian actors.As the IFRC marks World Immunization Week 2024, which this year has a theme of Humanly Possible, the Afghan Red Crescent’s efforts to bring healthcare and immunization to remote rural areas is a impressive example of what can be achieved through consistent, dedicated local presence.Following the historic events that took place in August 2021, a major strain was put on the public health system as donors reorganized their financing models. The transition stretched the system significantly, but a total collapse was prevented through solutions which have enabled continuation of primary and secondary health services.The Afghan Red Crescent Society is one of the local actors engaged in the delivery of primary and secondary health services in the country.The National Society’s network of more than 200 health facilities includes 97 mobile health teams, 46 fixed basic health clinics, 28 sub health clinics, one comprehensive health clinic, and a district hospital. There are also more than 40 health camps supporting routine immunization efforts in various provinces.Life-saving pre-natal care, medication and vaccinationThe ongoing economic hardship means that Taher, and countless others, are unable to pay medical bills or even reach the health facilities located in Afghan cities."My pregnant wife and three of my little girls fell ill recently and needed urgent healthcare but I couldn't afford to take them to the city hospital,” said Taher.“I approached my relatives and neighbours to lend me some money for [the trip], but none were able to help because they too were undergoing tremendous economic hardship.“Finally, one of my relatives mentioned that an Afghan Red Crescent Society mobile health team was operating in our village and suggested that I take my sick family members there.“Without wasting any time, I rushed back home and took my wife and children to where the teams were located. Thankfully my wife was able to get her prenatal checkup done by a midwife, my sick daughters were examined by a doctor and received free medication, and my other children got vaccinated,” he explained in relief.Vital support from partnersAfghan Red Crescent Society health facilities are supported by several partners, including the IFRC. For instance, in 2022 the IFRC provided funding for 47 mobile health teams which delivered primary healthcare and immunization services at least 500,000 people, among them women and children, in rural and remote areas of Afghanistan such as Taher’s district.The 47 mobile health teams have so far operated in many remote provinces including Nangarhar, Kunar, Nooristan, Kandahar, Helmand, Urozgan, Parwan, Sar-e Pol, Bamyan, Paktika, Wardak, Nimrooz, Herat, Badghis, and Jawzjan in the past years.Taher is certain that his family is now much safer after their visit to the Afghan Red Crescent mobile health unit.“My wife and my children are precious to me, and I can't imagine my life without them,” he said. “When they get sick, I get so worried since I have previously lost a close family member because we were unable to reach a doctor in time.“I can't express how grateful I am to the Afghan Red Crescent Society for sending a mobile health team to our village. They are providing life-saving help to people like us in remote rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is so constrained or totally non-existent."In 2023, the IFRC supported the Afghan Red Cresent in administering more than 390,000 doses of vaccines to children under 59 months of age.This included vaccinating more than 5,000 children in their second year of life (12 to 23 months of age) with measles vaccines as part of catch-up efforts, and giving some 46,000 oral polio vaccine doses to children aged between 24 to 59 months as part of intensive efforts to halt wild poliovirus transmission.IFRC’s support to the Afghan Red Crescent is part of its commitment, expressed in the IFRC Health and Care Framework 2023, to support National Societies in reaching “more than six million zero dose children globally and to reinforce both polio eradication efforts and routine immunization strengthening in multiple countries”.National Societies and the IFRC work together to expand routine immunizations to children through integrated service delivery and community engagement approaches. Trusted local healthcare volunteers work within at-risk communities to ensure children receive life-saving vaccinations for preventable diseases such as polio, measles and cholera.Words by Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy | Editing by Rachel Punitha

Afghanistan: Three months after Herat earthquake, an urgent need for shelter

By Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy and Rachel Punitha The earthquakes that struck the western Afghan state of Herat in October 2023 destroyed homes and claimed lives over a wide swath of mountainous terrain — from the state’s main city, Herat, all the way to mountain villages miles away. The epicentre was recorded near a mountain range just west of Herat state, resulting in widespread destruction in more than 380 villages. Many of the lives lost were women and children. Surviving family members found themselves thrust into the harsh reality of loss and despair, with winter approaching and their homes in ruins. Once the proud caretakers of small flocks of sheep, families now face the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. But their most immediate plea is for safe, warm shelter as temperatures continue to drop. “We need help with rebuilding our homes,” villagers consistently tell Afghanistan Red Crescent and IFRC teams that visit the villages and offer a wide range of support. More support urgently needed The Afghan Red Crescent, along with the IFRC, have been working together to help the people rebuild their homes and make sense of what has happened. Afghan Red Crescent has deployed over 200 staff and volunteers, reaching more than 112,000 people across 40 villages with emergency shelter, household items, food, health services, and WASH items. The food assistance they’ve provided has reached over 7,300 households, whille cash assistance valued at more than $US 22,000 (AFN 1,568,000) has been provided to 410 families. Health services, including mental health and psychosocial support, have been extended to over 12,000 people, supported by the Danish Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, and IFRC. At the early onset of the earthquakes, more than 15,000 emergency shelter items (tarpaulins or tents) were distributed, while Red Cross Red Crescent teams’ staff and volunteers work round the clock to work out proper permanent shelter solutions. Since then, shelter engineers have been deployed to the areas and are assessing their shelter needs for immediate procurement. In collaboration with ARCS, the IFRC has mobilized additional financial support for Herat through its network and the larger Emergency Appeal for the Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis. Meanwhile, IFRC-DREFhas increased its contribution to the emergency appeal by an additional CHF 750,000, raising the total IFRC-DREF contribution to the Afghanistan crisis to CHF 2,500,000. But more is still needed to meet the needs identified by the appeal and to ensure people in Herat state have what they need to get through nights of bitter cold. Digging to stay warm In one mountainside village, Abdul Qayoum, is grappling with the responsibility of four children, including two very young toddlers. As their tent offered little defense against the biting cold and relentless winds, especially during the night, his children have been shivering night after night. With no other options, Abdul Qayoum began laboring tirelessly, digging into the unforgiving ground in a desperate attempt to create a more secure space, into which he could settle in with his children so that the winds howl past them. His eyes reflected a mixture of determination and despair while he explained his family’s plight. In this village, IFRC teams also witnessed a group of mothers and grandmothers who were attempting to put up a tent with their bare hands in the cold. They were hoping that it would withstand the fierce, night winds. More resilient shelter Afghan Red Crescent and IFRC shelter teams have been working urgently along with other humanitarian organisations to approve a shelter design that can be constructed locally and will be able to withstand further shocks. “We will be including volunteers from villages and local masons from the cities in our training sessions on how to mount proper bracing for the walls of their new shelters,” says an IFRC Shelter specialist deployed to Herat. “The homes that were destroyed in the earthquake were all made of mud or clay and were built by hand. Unfortunately, that is why they were reduced to rubble so fast. “Now we want to make sure that they know how to include metal or even wood bracings in their walls and roofs so that their homes can withstand a greater degree of shock.” ‘My only hope’ In the meantime, people are trying to maintain hope even as they grieve for what they have lost. 45-year-old Halima [not her real name], says she is able to enjoy some warmth for a short while, when she cooks in her tent as a means to keep warm. She admits this is not very safe, but she has no other option. Halima had adopted a young boy from her community as she did not have any children of her own. This is one of the many ways that people look out for each other in the community, she says. Sadly, her adopted son lost his life in the earthquake. “He was my only hope,” she says, with an expression of deep anguish.

Crisis upon crisis: Devastating earthquakes strike Afghanistan as IFRC calls for urgent support

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 12 October – Afghanistan faces an escalating humanitarian crisis following a devastating series of earthquakes. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urgently reiterates its call for immediate action and international support, emphasizing that an existing appeal for 120 million Swiss Francs remains critically underfunded, with only 36 percent raised. The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), in coordination with the IFRC and other partner Red Cross Red Crescent Societies, was among the first to respond. Their rapid interventions included emergency medical aid, essential non-food supplies, temporary shelter and rescue operations in the affected provinces. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, the Afghan Red Crescent Society Acting President, said: "The situation in the country is already extremely dire. People were just starting to recover when another series of massive earthquakes hit us, all within less than a week. On top of that, winter is coming, and there's an urgent need for shelter, food and healthcare." The earthquakes hit the western part of Afghanistan, and primarily affected Badghis, Ghor, and especially Herat, registering a magnitude of 6.3. Sadly, another earthquake of the same magnitude followed four days later, causing further destruction and loss of lives. These events resulted in significant casualties, destroyed homes, and displaced many individuals. This catastrophe exacerbates Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crises of severe drought and economic hardship. Speaking from the backdrop of his visit to the affected parts of Herat this week, Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, remarked: “What we are seeing on the ground is a chilling scene: three affected villages which I visited two days ago have been reduced to absolute rubble, with not a single house left standing. Our teams on the ground say this is the picture in several other villages. These early observations underscore that the full extent of the damage is yet to be realized.” "The Afghan Red Crescent Society's tireless efforts in this catastrophic situation cannot be overstated. They've been first responders, reaching affected areas swiftly and delivering crucial assistance. We have managed to redirect essential supplies and mobile health facilities to the most impacted areas within a day, thanks to our network of trained volunteers and responders.” Immediate needs include food aid, cash assistance, emergency shelter and household items. There is also a focus on emergency health care, mental support and clean water and sanitation. Further assessments are ongoing to determine the disaster's entire impact and to strategize for emerging needs like shelter repair, livelihood recovery, and facility rehabilitation. Alexander Matheou added: “The full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding, and international support is urgently needed. Afghanistan can't be a footnote in a world already grappling with multiple crises. Every contribution counts, especially now, when our resources are already stretched to their limits." In light of the growing demands, the IFRC is revising its appeal for 120 million Swiss Francs to aid the ongoing efforts of the Afghan Red Crescent Society. Currently, this appeal remains severely underfunded, with only 36 percent of the required funds raised. Contributions can be made through participating national societies or directly via the IFRC website. More information To request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Afghanistan: Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy: +93 747 407 027 In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances: +60 192 713 641 In Geneva: Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06 Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 

Homa Nader: Bringing hope to the people of Afghanistan

In this episode, we explore the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan with Homa Nader, Manager of Strategic Engagement and Partnership in the IFRC country office in Kabul. Four years of drought, economic sanctions and the legacy of conflict are just a few of the factors that have left some 34 million Afghans facing extreme hardship. We spoke with Homa about the daily challenges for average Afghans, theparticular difficulties for women, and about the critical and inspiring work of Red Crescent volunteers in helping people cope.

Flooding around the world: Red Cross and Red Crescent teams responding

In recent weeks, floods have been hitting communities and making headlines around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the countries dealing with flooding and see how Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are helping people who have been affected. Slovenia Torrential rains over the past couple of weeks have affected two-thirds of Slovenia, prompting the country’s Prime Minister to declare it the ‘biggest natural disaster’ in the country’s history. The floods have killed three people and destroyed bridges, roads and houses - causing an estimated 500 million euros of damage. Volunteers from the Slovenian Red Cross have been delivering food, water and medicine to people affected by the floods – often on foot, since it’s the only way to reach many isolated communities. They’re also accompanying people staying in temporary shelters. The Czech Red Cross, Croatian Red Cross, Hungarian Red Cross and Polish Red Cross have all shown solidarity by sending additional food, water and hygiene items into the country to help with the response. Norway In Norway, Norwegian Red Cross volunteers are helping people affected Storm Hans, which is causing havoc across the south of the country – bringing extreme rain, landslides and floods. Volunteers are assisting with evacuations, running emergency ambulances, delivering food to isolated people and building sandbag flood defences. Many local branches remain on high alert, with more volunteers standing by to support as the situation develops. Sudan With millions reeling from the ongoing conflict in Sudan, communities across White Nile state have also now been impacted by heavy rains and flash floods. Torrents of water swept away and destroyed everything in their path. Families have lost homes and belongings, and many are resorting to sleeping outside in the open air. Shelter and clean water are needed urgently. Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteers, who have already been responding to people’s needs during the conflict, are assessing the situation closely to provide additional support. China Torrential rains and floods have hit East Asia severely this summer, including areas of north, northeast and southern China. Beijing has seen the largest rainfall experienced in the city in the past 140 years. Disaster relief teams from the Red Cross Society of China are helping people in flood-stricken areas – supporting with clean-up and recovery, as well as distributing household items, quilts, waterproof jackets and more. Philippines In the Philippines, Typhoons Doksuri and Khanun (known locally as Egay and Falcon) have brought devastating floods. An estimated 313,000 people have been displaced by Doksuri alone, and more than 25 people have sadly lost their lives. Philippine Red Cross volunteers have been bringing relief supplies, meals, medical assistance and psychosocial support to affected communities. Afghanistan Flash floods and heavy rainfall have caused loss of life, injuries and severe damage to hundreds of households in Afghanistan – a country already experiencing complex humanitarian crises. Afghan Red Crescent and IFRC emergency teams are providing urgent relief – including blankets, jerry cans, tarpaulins and shelter kits. And mobile health teams are bringing medical services to remote communities. Iran In Iran, Iranian Red Crescent Society teams have been responding to flooding in Sistan Balochistan, North Khorasan and West Azerbaijan provinces – deploying 35 response teams and providing support to hundreds of people. Volunteer teams have been rescuing people stranded in the flood waters, setting up temporary shelters, and providing essential items. Honduras In western Honduras, localized flooding caused by rainstorms hit the town of Copan Ruinas – damaging homes and local businesses. The local Honduran Red Cross branch responded quickly to distribute relief items to local people and help clear up debris and fallen trees. -- Thank you to all our National Societies for supporting communities affected by floods in recent weeks. If you'd like to learn more about floods and how you can prepare, click here.

Afghanistan: Intensified support critical amid deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 15 August – Economic hardships have sharply intensified living conditions in Afghanistan. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calls for continued humanitarian support to Afghanistan, coupled with investment in long-term solutions. More than two years after drought began affecting the region, nearly 28 million Afghans – both in cities and remote areas – struggle to meet basic needs. Economic hardships and continuous shocks have greatly diminished buying power, making many reliant on humanitarian assistance. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Society Acting President, said: “The economic situation remains challenging for vulnerable Afghans, including women and girls. They have endured immense hardships and primarily rely on humanitarian assistance to get through shocks brought by drought, natural disasters, and economic hardship.” “Thanks to generous support from our local and international partners, the Afghan Red Crescent has expanded its response operation across all provinces in the first half of this year, aiming to prevent worsening humanitarian situations.” With the support of local and international partners, the Afghan Red Crescent has reached more than 500,000 households (approximately 3.5 million people) with a range of services. These include 3 million people with health services and awareness, more than 100,000 households (around 700,000 people) with food assistance, and at least 35,000 households (around 245,000 people) with cash assistance. “Now, due to reduced funding and increasing demand for services, we are prioritizing assistance to the most vulnerable. This includes providing cash assistance for widows, offering mental health and psychosocial support, and supporting children with congenital heart defects. For this, we request our partners to bolster their contributions,” Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales added. Afghanistan is grappling not only with its third consecutive year of drought but also with economic hardships that exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian situation. The current trend of foreign aid, primarily limited to humanitarian interventions due to sanctions or lack of international recognition of the current authorities, hinders long-term solution efforts. Necephor Mghendi, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: “The humanitarian situation is becoming harsher, and we are increasing our support to the Afghan Red Crescent—with limited financial resources—to alleviate conditions for people most at risk, keeping in mind the need to combine immediate assistance with durable solutions that also address root-causes and vulnerabilities.” “We can’t address the humanitarian situation without investing in longer-term development solutions or addressing the economic crisis. They are intrinsically linked.” “As some parts of the world also grapple with man-made and natural hazards, people should not forget that Afghanistan is still facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Though headlines might emphasize a few issues, the vast array of needs remain.” The IFRC and Afghan Red Crescent are increasing preparedness for the upcoming winter and ever-present potential disasters. Stocks of winterization kits, tarps, tents, water storage containers, hygiene supplies, cooking utensils, and other essential household items are being pre-positioned in strategic locations across the country. Furthermore, Afghan Red Crescent disaster response teams are being equipped with updated data collection kits, identification materials, and refresher training. The Afghan Red Crescent Society has a branch in each province of the country, boasts a strong network of 24,600 volunteers, including women who are crucial to delivering services to vulnerable groups, especially women and girls. Community members – men, boys, women, and girls – remain central to the efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: as recipients, designers, and deliverers. To support the Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC revises its emergency appeal to the international community for 120 million Swiss francs to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to over two million people affected by multiple crises. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Afghanistan: Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy, +93-747-407-027, [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60-192-713-641, [email protected] Geneva:Mrinalini Santhanam, +41763815006,[email protected]

Climate situation wreaks havoc in Asia Pacific; causing relentless floods, diseases, and life-threatening heat

Kuala Lumpur/Dhaka/Beijing, 10 August 2023 – Countries across Asia Pacific are reeling from multiple disasters that are wreaking havoc in the region and climate analysts attribute this to a phenomenon called El Niño. The International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urges authorities and humanitarian organizations to brace for multiple disasters hitting simultaneously, with more intensity. These past few months, the IFRC has released eight Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) allocations for climate related events – three for dengue to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, three for floods, to Mongolia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, one for a tropical cyclone to Bangladesh, and one for a cold wave event to Mongolia. Although the full impact of the phenomenon is expected in the months of September this year to March next year, many regions in Asia and the Pacific are already facing multiple hazards now, and they all point to a deteriorating climate situation. In Bangladesh, dengue infections have swarmed the nation and there have been almost 30,000 new cases this year, almost 5 times higher than last year's numbers. Moreover, local public health experts confirm that many people are being infected with multiple types of dengue, making the treatment complicated. Sanjeev Kafley, Head of IFRC Bangladesh Delegation says: "We are working closely with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and health authorities to combat the situation. In 85 dengue hotspot wards in the cities of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Barishal, our volunteers are focusing on public awareness and prevention efforts. We are progressing to procure testing kits for our health authorities as well as supporting the availability of platelet concentrate through the blood banks of BDRCS. We are supporting in all intervention points, from life-saving areas to preventative measures." IFRC’s climate mitigation efforts at national levels in different countries are towards improving water management systems, curbing mosquito breeding, strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems to track outbreaks and increase health care capacity to managing cases and providing treatment. Olga Dzhumaeva, Head of IFRC East Asia Delegation says: “Torrential rains and floods hit East Asia severely this summer. North, northeast and some regions in southern China saw one of the largest rainfalls Beijing has experienced in the past 140 years. Capital city Ulaanbaatar and 13 provinces in Mongolia, central parts and many provinces of the Republic of Korea, and in the Kyushu region of Japan also suffered from severe impact of extreme rains in July. As a result, millions of people in East Asia were greatly affected and displaced, and roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructures were very badly damaged, many beyond repair. In responding to the situation, our colleagues and volunteers from National Societies in China, Japan, Mongolia and Republic of Korea have been deployed to the front lines, activating their emergency responses, making every effort to evacuate people trapped by the floods and debris, and urgently sending relief supplies such as blankets, tents, folding beds to the affected areas.” IFRC, National Societies, and its partners believe we equally need to focus on resilience building through inclusion of nature, anticipation, adaptation and mitigation. Early or anticipatory action, for example, whereby funds are proactively allocated based on weather forecasts to support people at risk before disaster strikes is an important emphasis in the context of rapidly increasing climate hazards. Luis Rodriguez, IFRC Asia Pacific, Lead for Climate and Resilience says: “These events were more intense than usual due to the prevailing warming conditions, and this brings heavier precipitations, triggering cyclones, rains, and floods. These climate factors also heavily influence the dynamics of infections. Increased rainfall creates new and conducive habitats for larvae or viruses, and increased temperature accelerates the development of insects carrying viruses and virus incubation time. Severe changes in temperature and precipitation patterns due to climate change will enable the spread and transmission of disease in areas that are currently considered low risk or dengue free. These are all not stand-alone events. They are connected.” In anticipation of more extreme weather events that will hit more regions in the Asia Pacific, national societies together with IFRC are carrying out heavy preparedness measures such as heatwave action planning, simulations and drills, prepositioning of relief stocks, and evacuation and rescue equipment, and urgent refreshers on procedures and regulations for volunteers, staff, and technical teams. Moreover, the DREFs ensure National Societies can act speedily and efficiently and this means millions of lives and livelihoods are saved. For more information or to request an interview, please contact:  [email protected] In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, [email protected] , +60 19 271 3641 In Geneva: Anna Tuson, [email protected] , +41 79 895 6924

"At the heart of our services in Afghanistan are women and girls: as recipients and as deliverers."

Kuala Lumpur / Geneva, 26 December 2022 - Every day, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) supports thousands of people in Afghanistan to cope with disasters, hunger, and access to health care. At the heart of these services are women and girls: as recipients, designers, and deliverers. They are the centre of our work. Women are the main clients of the primary health services supported through the Afghanistan Red Crescent Society. Female medical staff make these services possible as doctors, nurses, midwives, and outreach workers. Women lead the vocational training and care and support for destitute women in our Marastoon centres across the country. Women are critical to how we design and monitor services for women and girls. They should not, and cannot, be replaced by male colleagues. IFRC is extremely concerned by the recent announcements of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) suspending women’s access to higher education and to work in national and international non-governmental organisations. It is not clear yet how these announcements will apply to the IFRC. We remain committed to gender diversity, to our female colleagues and to service continuity involving female colleagues. That is how we reach communities and the most vulnerable across the country. We will represent this commitment to the authorities. However, whatever the direct effect of the announcements on our work, such exclusion is devastating for the country in the short term and long term. Its impact on those in need of humanitarian services will be appalling. We urge the authorities to consider this impact and to find solutions that enable continuity of life-saving assistance across Afghanistan, in the interests of women and girls, and of all Afghans. For more information, contact: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641 [email protected] Rachel Punitha, +60 19 791 3830, [email protected]

Crisis fatigue not an option as global hunger crisis deepens, the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement warns

Geneva, 13 September 2022 (ICRC/IFRC) – The warning lights are flashing on high: armed conflict, climate-related emergencies, economic hardship and political obstacles are leading to a growing wave of hunger in countries around the world. The misery for millions will deepen without immediate urgent action. Systems-level improvements must be made to escape a cycle of recurrent crises, including investments in climate-smart food production in conflict-affected areas, and reliable mechanisms to support hard-to-reach communities hit by food shortages and skyrocketing prices, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. The international armed conflict in Ukraine has greatly disrupted global food supply systems as well as future harvests in many countries due to the impact it’s having on the availability of fertilizer. The importance of more shipments by the Black Sea grain initiative reaching vulnerable populations in East Africa cannot be overstated. Too few grain shipments are getting to where they are needed. As hunger emergencies hit the headlines, the risk of crisis fatigue is high. Yet what’s uniquely frightening about this moment is the breadth and depth of the needs. More than 140 million people face acute food insecurity due to conflict and instability, even as climate change and economic precarity indicate that hunger needs will rise in the coming months. Political will and resources are needed now. Without them, many lives will be lost, and the suffering will endure for years. An emergency response alone will not end these hunger crises. Concerted action and long-term approaches are the only way to break the cycle. While addressing urgent needs, it is essential to set the foundation for resilience. More efforts must be made — by governments, private sectors, and humanitarian and development groups — to support long-term food security, livelihoods, and resilience plans. Measures must include investments in strengthening grassroots food systems and community actors to sustainably achieve food and economic security. One of the approaches to consider is anticipatory action for food security, based on forecasts and risk analysis. Francesco Rocca, President of the IFRC, said: “Two dozen countries across Africa are grappling with the worst food crisis in decades. Some 22 million people in the Horn of Africa are in the clutches of starvation due to such compounding crises as drought, flooding, COVID-19’s economic effects, conflict – even desert locusts. Behind the staggeringly high numbers are real people – men, women and children battling death-level hunger every day. The situation is expected to deteriorate into 2023. However, with swift action, many lives can be saved. We need urgent and massive action to scale up life-saving assistance to millions of people in dire need of aid, but also to decisively address the root causes of this crisis through longer term commitments.” The IFRC and its membership—which consists of Red Cross and Red Crescent teams in nearly every corner of the globe—are delivering aid in hard-to-reach communities. Assistance includes getting cash into the hands of families to meet food, health and other urgent needs. In Nigeria, Red Cross volunteers focus on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, whose nutrition is paramount for healthy births and childhoods. In Madagascar, volunteers restore land and water sources through anti-erosion activities, the construction of water points, and a focus on irrigation in addition to traditional ways to fight hunger, like nutrition monitoring. Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC, said: “Conflict is a huge driver of hunger. We see violence preventing farmers from planting and harvesting. We see sanctions and blockades preventing food delivery to the most vulnerable. My wish is that we build resiliency into the fabric of humanitarian response, so that communities suffer less when violence and climate change upend lives. A cycle of band-aid solutions will not be enough in coming years.” The ICRC this year has helped nearly 1 million people in south and central Somalia buy a month’s worth of food by distributing cash to more than 150,000 households. A similar programme in Nigeria helped 675,000 people, while more than a quarter million people received climate smart agriculture inputs to restore crop production. The ICRC works to strengthen resilience through seeds, tools and livestock care so that residents can better absorb recurrent shocks. And its medical professionals are running stabilization centres in places like Somalia, where kids are getting specialized nutrition care. Communities around the world are suffering deep hardship. A short snapshot of some of the regions in need includes: In Sub-Saharan Africa: One in three children under the age of five is stunted by chronic undernutrition, while two out of five women of childbearing age are anaemic because of poor diets. The majority of people in sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1.90 a day. In Afghanistan: The combination of three decades of armed conflict and an economic crash resulting in few job opportunities and a massive banking crisis are having a devastating effect on Afghan families’ ability to buy food. More than half the country – 24 million – need assistance. The International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement welcomes any measure aimed at easing the effect of economic sanctions. But given the depth of the humanitarian crisis, long-term solutions are also needed, including the resumption of projects and investments by states and development agencies in key infrastructure. In Pakistan: The recent flooding has led to an estimated $12 billion in losses. Food security in the country was alarming before this latest catastrophe, with 43 percent of the population food insecure. Now the number of acutely hungry people is expected to rise substantially. Some 78,000 square kilometers (21 million acres) of crops are under water. An estimated 65 percent of the country’s food basket – crops like rice and wheat– have been destroyed, with over 733,000 livestock reportedly killed. The floods will also negatively affect food delivery into neighboring Afghanistan. In Somalia: We have seen a five-fold increase in the number of malnourished children needing care. Last month the Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa admitted 466 children, up from 82 in August 2021. Children admitted here die without the specialized nutritional care they receive. In Syria: Food insecurity rates have risen more than 50 percent since 2019. Today, two-thirds of Syria’s population –12.4 million out of 18 million – can’t meet their daily food needs. The compounding effects of more than a decade of conflict, including the consequences of sanctions, have crippled people’s buying power. Food prices have risen five-fold in the last two years. In Yemen: Most Yemenis survive on one meal a day. Last year 53 percent of Yemen’s population were food insecure. This year it’s 63 percent – or some 19 million people. Aid actors have been forced to cut food assistance due to a lack of funds. Some 5 million people will now receive less than 50 percent of their daily nutritional requirement because of it. Notes to editors For more information, please contact: IFRC:Tommaso Della Longa, [email protected], +41 79 708 43 67 IFRC: Jenelle Eli, [email protected], +41 79 935 97 40 ICRC:Crystal Wells, [email protected], +41 79 642 80 56 ICRC: Jason Straziuso, [email protected], +41 79 949 35 12 Audio-visuals available: Horn of Africa photos and b-roll Pakistan floods photos and b-roll Somalia cash programme photos and b-roll Kenya sees climate shocks b-roll

Afghanistan: Unending crises driving millions to breaking point

Kuala Lumpur/Kabul/Geneva 15 August – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is renewing its call for increased global solidarity with the people of Afghanistan who continue to face immense humanitarian need. Simultaneous crises in the country have caused some of the worst suffering in recent generations. A cocktail of disasters and crises has battered the country for more than a year now, with new shocks worsening conditions that were already dire. In late June, an earthquake struck south-East Afghanistan killing more than 1,000 people and destroying or damaging homes of 60,000 households leaving them exposed to the elements. Starting July into August, off-season rains brought floods that washed away livelihoods and aggravated humanitarian needs across more than 20 provinces. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Acting President, said: "The past 12 months have been extremely difficult for our people as economic hardship, exacerbated by sanctions-related limitations to access income, piles pressure on millions who were already battling acute food insecurity, poverty, and many other shocks. "We, in Afghan Red Crescent, have scaled up our response operation in every province and our extensive network of volunteers continues to deliver assistance which is really a lifeline particularly to those excluded even from the most basic support, especially widows and their children. "Contributions from our local and international partners have been critical, and we are truly grateful. We are asking for continued support because millions of our people will rely on long term humanitarian interventions to meet their very basic needs." With the support of the IFRC and other partners, the Afghan Red Crescent response operation has so far reached more than 150,000 households with food assistance and at least 15,000 households with cash distributions. Its more than 140 health facilities, among them mobile health teams, also continue to provide primary health services including routine immunizations across Afghanistan. Humanitarian assistance needs to be sustained. Necephor Mghendi, IFRC's Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: "The people of Afghanistan cannot be forgotten. This is now one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with over 20 million people remaining in need of urgent assistance." "As the world's largest humanitarian network, we are responding in many ways to help aid vulnerable communities. IFRC continues to support the Afghan Red Crescent in its humanitarian efforts, but the succession of crises and disasters is driving millions to breaking point, resulting in a massive humanitarian need that is putting immense strain on the availability of resources. "Winter is coming, and we are worried that lives could be lost if we do not act early enough to alleviate conditions for people whose coping capacities are weakened by multiple shocks." The IFRC and Afghan Red Crescent are ramping up preparedness for a potentially harsh winter, which will be upon the country in a few months. The greatest concern is high-altitude areas where temperatures are very likely to drop below minus-10 degrees. Procurement of winter clothing, winter boots, thermal blankets, heating stoves and other essentials is underway in readiness. To support the Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC has appealed to the international community for 90 million Swiss francs to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to more than 1 million people affected by multiple crises. Winter preparedness forms a critical part of the plan. To arrange an interview, get access to audio-visuals, or for more information, contact: Asia Pacific Office: Rachel Punitha, +60-197-913-830, [email protected] Asia Pacific Office: Joe Cropp, +61 491 743 089, [email protected]

Statement on the High-level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan

Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honour to address you on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and our member National Society, the Afghan Red Crescent. I give this in complementarity to ICRC’s President, Peter Maurer’s earlier statement. As current events in Afghanistan unfold, the Afghan Red Crescent continues to carry out critical humanitarian work through its network of 34 provincial branches, 2,000 staff and more than 30,000 trained volunteers. The Afghan Red Crescent and the IFRC’s staff have been there through it all and are always there to fulfil our humanitarian mandate. We had no option to leave. We continue to deliver. The IFRC has been in Afghanistan for more than 30 years uninterrupted. We have worked with the Afghan Red Crescent throughout this time in their institutional development, in bringing much needed humanitarian supplies, in bringing the community voices to the global stage and in providing leadership in coordination. We will remain by their side, for as long as we are needed. Last week we launched arevised Emergency Appealfor 36 million Swiss Francs to ramp up support to the work of the Afghan Red Crescent in meeting the needs of those affected by one of the country’s worst ever droughts, acute food shortages, a fractured health system, displacement as well as the devastating impact of COVID-19. We have also provided support to the neighbouring countries’ National Red Crescent Societies, and we will need an additional 15 million Swiss francs to continue to do so. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have three messages for you to consider, and act upon: We must work together to ensure that humanitarian corridors are kept open.This may include making exceptions to sanctions, which allow for medical and urgent humanitarian supply chains. Now is the time to ensure that there are no bureaucratic obstacles to committing humanitarian aid. In return, we will ensure that support is provided to the most vulnerable, to enable locally managed and delivered aid, in line with our fundamental principles. Now is the time to support local action, empower strong local organizations and make good on your localization commitments in the Grand Bargain.The Afghan Red Crescent has unique access to people in need - recognized for its neutrality, impartiality and independence. Its’ Afghan staff and volunteers work every day in every province of Afghanistan, with direct access to support communities with ongoing relief and health services. Now is not the time to ignore Afghanistan; it is vital that we look to the future and support the people of Afghanistan as they work hard to heal and recover. I thank you.

Deadly earthquake hits crises-riddled Afghanistan

The Afghan Red Crescent, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has mobilised to support communities affected by a deadly 5.9 magnitude earthquake which struck the south-East region of Afghanistan early morning Wednesday 22 June. Based on initial reports, at least 1000 people have been killed, with the number of casualties expected to increase as rescuers reach hardest-hit villages where people remain trapped in rubble. Remote districts in the provinces of Khost and Paktika have been most affected. Afghan Red Crescent staff and volunteers from affected communities were among the first responders working alongside local authorities and other humanitarian organisations. Additional teams have been deployed from Kabul and neighbouring provinces to boost the speed of assistance. Furthermore, food supplies, non-food items and medicines that were in stock have been redirected to areas hardest hit by the quake to address immediate needs. Dr Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of Afghan Red Crescent, said: “This latest earthquake is another horrific tragedy for Afghanistan, as if there were not enough. It struck in a grim backdrop where more than 50 per cent of our people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance due a combination of catastrophic crises.” “It is heartbreaking to see such human suffering among people who were already struggling to recover from effects of decades of conflict, severe drought, flooding, and extreme economic hardship among other shocks.” Afghan Red Crescent trucks with relief items and medicines as well as ambulances have been dispatched to the affected areas. These will complement mobile health teams that were already operational in Paktika, of which some have been redirected to address immediate needs resulting from the earthquake. Necephor Mghendi, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: “Local responders and institutions have played a critical role in saving lives of thousands who would otherwise still be trapped in rubble. Strengthening local preparedness capacity is the surest and quickest way to an effective response." “We only recently revised our Emergency Appeal to increase emergency relief, health services and recovery assistance in almost all province of Afghanistan which are battling a cocktail of catastrophic humanitarian crises. Following the deadly earthquake, we will have to scale up further our operations in Khost and Paktika.” The IFRC has released 750,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in support of a timely response by the Afghan Red Crescent. Increased global support and solidarity to deliver humanitarian assistance is needed. As part of its ongoing support, the IFRC is urgently appealing to the international community for 90 million Swiss francs to support the Afghan Red Crescent to deliver emergency relief, health services and recovery assistance to more than 1 million people in the provinces hit by multiple crises. This includes an extra 10 million Swiss francs to address the needs wrought by the quake. For more information or to arrange interviews: In Geneva: Benoit Matsha-Carpentier, Director A.I, Communications Department, Mob: +41 (0)79 213 24 13, Email: [email protected] In Asia/Pacific: Rachel Punitha, Manager A.I., Communications, Mob: +60 19 791 3830, Email: [email protected]

Afghanistan: Hunger and poverty surge as drought persists

Kuala Lumpur/Kabul/Geneva 17 June – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for increased global support to stem spiralling hunger in Afghanistan as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises threatens millions. Intense summer heat and a weak spring rainy season have effectively spelled doom for a meaningful harvest in the country. Amidst mounting poverty, 70 percent of households are unable to meet basic food and non-food needs, with particularly devastating effects for homes headed by widows, the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. An estimated 3 million children are at risk of malnutrition and susceptible to diseases such as acute watery diarrhoea and measles due to weakened immunity. Thousands of people have resorted to begging in the streets, with prices of essential items soaring in the face of declining remittances, a crumbling economy and rising poverty. Dr Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of Afghan Red Crescent, said: “This is one of the worst humanitarian crises I have seen in Afghanistan, in more than 30 years as a humanitarian aid worker. It is horrifying to see the extent of hunger and resurgence of poverty that we have fought so hard to eradicate. “It is particularly worrying for Afghans in rural and remote areas, where some of the country’s poorest communities face widespread destitution and very high levels of malnutrition after their crops failed or livestock perished. “A lack of food should not be a cause of death in Afghanistan. There needs to be a concerted international effort to continue critical humanitarian assistance across the country so that lives can be saved.” Afghan Red Crescent is ramping up its response operation using available funds, giving immediate priority to food and cash distributions as well as providing health services via more than 140 health facilities across Afghanistan. However, the latest reports show much more assistance will be needed. Necephor Mghendi, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: “The increasing economic hardship is a bitter blow for families in Afghanistan who are trying to cope with one of the worst droughts and food crises they have ever faced, leaving children malnourished and far more vulnerable to preventable disease. “As well as providing critical relief to people struggling in the face of severe drought and hunger, livelihood interventions should be supported to enable people to restore means of earning an income. “There is also a need for investment in local institutions that deliver vital services in the cities as well as remote areas. Locally staffed, well-functioning institutions are proven to help the most vulnerable, including children, women, and the elderly in every corner of Afghanistan.” As part of this ongoing support, the IFRC is urgently appealing to the international community for 80 million Swiss francs to support the Afghan Red Crescent to deliver emergency relief, health services and recovery assistance to more than 1 million people in the provinces hit by multiple crises. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Asia Pacific Office: Joe Cropp, +61 491 743 089, [email protected]

Afghanistan: Food shortages escalate as spring fields remain bare

Kuala Lumpur/Kabul/Geneva, 22 March –The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is raising grave fears for millions of Afghans and farming communities as fields remain bare of the annual spring crops. The ongoing drought means that the area planted with winter wheat is well below average. Field reports indicate that half the ground normally sown with wheat was fallow at the end of the planting window in December. Hunger is worsening in Afghanistan, with 95 per cent of the population going without enough food to eat every day, according to the United Nations. The few crops which were planted are likely to face harsh conditions, with La Nina expected to bring drier than normal conditions in the coming months, extending the severe drought into a second year. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Acting President, said: “Millions of families rely on farming, but they already lost last year’s crops to the severe drought, leaving them without grain to get through the harsh winter or seeds to sow in the fields. “Without seeds in the ground, there will be no harvest in spring and summer, creating a real risk of famine across Afghanistan, where nearly 23 million people are already unable to feed themselves every day. “We need to ramp up our efforts to support these communities with relief as they brace for a second year of drought and food shortages, while working to sustain livelihoods that are so important for families and entire communities.” The drought crisis has fuelled an economic crisis in a country where agriculture is critical for people’s livelihoods and the mainstay of the economy. More than 70 percent of Afghanistan’s population live in rural areas and around 80 percent of livelihoods depend on agriculture, according to the latest IPC Afghanistan food security data. Afghan Red Crescent, supported by the IFRC, is working with farming communities to have more sustainable water sources, drought resistant crops and other income generation opportunities for women in regional parts of the country. Johanna Arvo, IFRC’s Acting Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: “The ravages of climate change mean risks and hardship are skyrocketing for people in Afghanistan. Millions of people have faced two severe droughts in four years, causing catastrophic crop failures and devastating food shortages. “Temperatures are rising, leading to reduced snowfall cover, snowmelt and water supplies. Rainfall is becoming more erratic, decimating agriculture in Afghanistan. “As well as providing immediate relief, we must invest much more in the future by helping Afghans to establish more sustainable water supplies and drought resistant crops, while supporting income generation for the most at risk, including women and the elderly.” As part of this ongoing support, the IFRC is urgently appealing to the international community for more than 65 million Swiss francs to support the Afghan Red Crescent to deliver health services, emergency relief and recovery assistance to more than 1 million people in the provinces hit by multiple crises. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Asia Pacific Office: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, [email protected] Asia Pacific Office: Joe Cropp, +61 491 743 089, [email protected]

Afghanistan: Global support critical as COVID runs rampant

Kuala Lumpur/Kabul/Geneva, 23 February –The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies calls for urgent global support for health and testing services, and vaccinations to slow the spread of COVID-19 that is surging across all areas of Afghanistan, stretching the country’s fragile healthcare system. A new wave is hitting Afghanistan hard. Testing is inadequate, and the World Health Organisation reports that almost half of tested samples are coming back positive, indicating an alarming spread of the virus. With only 10 per cent of people fully vaccinated according to Our World in Data, the country’s fragile health system is struggling to cope with the surge in COVID-19 infections after dozens of COVID-19 health facilities were forced to close due to lack of medicines, essential medical supplies, and a lack of funds to pay for utilities and salaries of health workers. Fewer than 10 of the country’s 37 public COVID-19 health facilities remain functional, and they are unable to keep up with demand. Afghan Red Crescent is ramping up services at its health clinics across Afghanistan and its COVID-19 hospital in Kabul while supporting nationwide vaccination efforts and running information campaigns on preventing spread of the disease. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Acting President, said: “As the number of COVID-19 infections increase from cities to remote corners of the country, the international community needs to open up the doors to support critical healthcare, testing and other essential services before it’s too late for the people of Afghanistan. "It is vital to increase the number of functional COVID-19 health facilities so that pressure can be eased on the few functioning hospitals.” International sanctions have severed hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid that is critical for maintaining the country’s health care system, including forcing the closure of dozens of COVID-19 case management facilities. Compounding the health crisis, a measles outbreak has infected thousands and killed dozens of people last month alone in Afghanistan. Necephor Mghendi, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: “The measles outbreak is alarming since Afghanistan is in the middle of one of the worst droughts and food crises in decades, leaving children malnourished and far more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease. "It’s crucial for us to get relief to communities struggling in the face of multiple crises and severe hunger, while urgently investing in local institutions that deliver vital basic services including COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations. “Locally staffed community health programs and a well-functioning public health system are proven ways to help the most vulnerable in the communities across Afghanistan.” As part of this ongoing support, the IFRC is urgently appealing to the international community for more than 65 million Swiss francs to support the Afghan Red Crescent to deliver health services, emergency relief and recovery assistance to more than 1 million people in the provinces hit by multiple crises. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Asia Pacific Office: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, [email protected] Asia Pacific Office: Joe Cropp, +61 491 743 089, [email protected]

Afghanistan: Worst drought and hunger crisis in decades

Kuala Lumpur/Kabul/Geneva, 2 December – Afghanistan is in the grip of one of the worst droughts and food shortage crises in decades, threatening an unrivalled humanitarian catastrophe as a bitter winter looms large for millions of Afghans. Emergency food relief and winter survival kits are being urgently delivered by Afghan Red Crescent to people in areas worst affected by severe food shortages, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Around 22.8 million people – 55 per cent of Afghanistan’s population – are experiencing high levels of acute food shortages. Severe drought has hit more than 80 percent of the country, crippling food production and forcing people from their land. Nearly 700,000 people have been internally displaced this year, joining some 3.5 million people already forced from their homes throughout the country, who all face a harsh winter, when temperatures can drop as low as -20C in some areas of Afghanistan. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Acting President, said: “Afghans have shown remarkable resilience in the face of this latest drought, growing hunger and decades of conflict. Millions of people are struggling to survive due to wholescale crop losses, acute food shortages, and a lack of cash to buy basic necessities. “Afghan Red Crescent teams have not stopped helping people with relief and healthcare, but the vast majority of families remain unassisted, lacking adequate food provisions, money for the very basic needs and survival kits to get through the harsh winter months ahead.” The IFRC is providing 3,000 tonnes of food relief for 210,000 people and winter survival kits are being urgently delivered by Afghan Red Crescent in some of the hardest hit provinces for those suffering shortages and loss of income. To mitigate the misery and hardships of winter, families are being provided with winter kits, including blankets, thermal insulation and heaters but additional funding is needed to expand the humanitarian operations. As part of this ongoing support, the IFRC is urgently appealing to the international community for more than 36 million Swiss francs to support Afghan Red Crescent to deliver emergency relief and recovery assistance to 560,000 people in 16 provinces worst affected by severe drought and displacement. Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Director, IFRC, who is currently in Afghanistan, said: “This is the worst drought and hunger crisis faced by Afghans in living memory. Much faster international action is needed to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the coming months. “We are in a race against time to deliver life-saving relief and supplies ahead of a harsh winter which will cut off some of Afghanistan's most vulnerable people from any chance of assistance. “People are already going hungry in Afghanistan and conditions are continuing to deteriorate. I have spoken to doctors who are reporting increased cases of acute malnutrition amongst children. It will only get worse in the weeks ahead.” As well as immediate relief, IFRC appeal funds will help with establishing more drought-resistant crops and revitalising livestock, while supporting critical income generation for women, the elderly and those most at risk of spiralling poverty. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, [email protected] In Geneva: Ann Vaessen, +41 79 405 77 50, [email protected]

Afghanistan faces collapse of health services and mass hunger

Kuala Lumpur/Kabul/Geneva, 30 September - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that Afghanistan faces imminent collapse of health services and widespread hunger if aid and money do not flow into the country within weeks. Acute food shortages fuelled by serious drought, lack of cash and displacement, the COVID-19 pandemic and crippled health services have converged on the people of Afghanistan, with some 18 million Afghans in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Speaking from Kabul where he has been on a four-day official visit, Alexander Matheou, IFRC Asia Pacific Director said: “After living through decades of fleeing and fighting, Afghans now face a severe drought which has devastated food production, leaving millions hungry and destitute. “We are deeply concerned that Afghanistan faces imminent collapse of health services and worsening hunger if aid and money do not flow into the country within weeks. Health financing has been cut across the country placing ever more demand on Red Crescent teams. “Urgent international action is needed to support millions of people with the necessities of life as Afghanistan’s looming harsh winter threatens greater misery and hardships.” Afghan Red Crescent is providing support in some of the hardest hit provinces, including relief supplies to families suffering food shortages and loss of income. Red Crescent has been providing families who have lost their livelihoods due to the drought with cash grants to buy food, to plant drought-resistant food crops and protect their livestock. Health clinics, including mobile teams of doctors and nurses, are providing critical care across Afghanistan. As part of this ongoing support, the IFRC is urgently appealing to the international community for more than 36 million Swiss francs to support Afghan Red Crescent to deliver emergency relief and recovery assistance to 560,000 people in 16 provinces worst affected by severe drought and displacement. “Afghan Red Crescent has a long history of helping people living in areas other agencies are unable to reach. Red Crescent teams are ramping up critical maternal and child healthcare, food assistance and other emergency relief, but much more support is needed. “IFRC appeal funds will be used to help with sustainable water supplies, establishing more drought-resistant crops and revitalising livestock, while supporting critical income generation for those most at risk of spiralling poverty, including women and the elderly.” For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451 [email protected] In Geneva: Nathalie Perroud, +41 79 538 14 71 [email protected] IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube