The 2025 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan left thousands of children in urgent need of assistance. UNICEF stepped in to provide aid to affected families across the areas.
UNICEF Provides Emergency Support and Relief
Since the earthquake struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, UNICEF has offered emergency health care, nutrition support, and safe drinking water to children and families. The organisation also set up educational solutions to help children resume learning amid ongoing disruption.
“Thousands of children who survived the recent earthquake that desperately need humanitarian assistance. UNICEF assists with safe drinking water, education, health, and nutrition services,” said Regional Director UNICEF South Asia, Sanjay Wijesekera.
Their teams restored sanitation facilities to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. They do this by providing blankets, warm clothing, footwear, and cash assistance.
“Amid freezing temperatures, children in Afghanistan bear the brunt of being displaced from last year’s earthquake. An estimated 270,000 children are at severe risk of life-threatening diseases related to the cold,” said UNICEF.
Their efforts to help the needy are ongoing and are not limited to Afghanistan. During the unrest in Iran, UNICEF pleads for the safety of lives and properties, asking for an end to hostilities from all factions.
Furthermore, UNICEF announced that the UK donates £8 million to tackle child nutrition in Afghanistan. This aid comes as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that over 3.7 million children in the country could suffer from acute malnutrition.
Long-Term Recovery Efforts Underway
Agencies collaborated and came up with different solutions to rebuild schools, food systems, healthcare centers, and water systems. Aside from UNICEF, humanitarian organisations like the ICRC have donated 81 silos to support farmers in Afghanistan.
This relief effort will support families and make them independent. Other agencies remain active, and many offer livelihood programs that help residents regain financial stability.
Furthermore, IOM partnered with Muslim charities in Afghanistan to help rebuild schools and health centers. This is just one of UNICEF’s humanitarian projects scattered across the country.
For UNICEF, access to clean water, safe shelter, and education remains necessary. Continued collaboration with other UN agencies, NGOs, and local authorities allows them reach the most vulnerable families efficiently.
UNICEF’s ongoing efforts protect children from the effects of natural disasters, poverty, and conflict. They remain committed to supporting Afghan children affected by the earthquake.
