KABUL, Afghanistan — A $1.5 million partnership between UNICEF and China will deliver life-saving hygiene kits and water purification tablets to more than 28,500 Afghan households, benefiting nearly 290,000 people, the UN agency announced on Thursday.
The hygiene kits include 14 essential items, such as soap, reusable sanitary pads, dental hygiene supplies, and water storage containers.
The statement said that these tools aim to combat the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera and acute watery diarrhea, which have already affected over 152,000 people in Afghanistan this year, resulting in 73 deaths—56 percent of whom were children under five.
Afghanistan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, with prolonged droughts and water scarcity leaving 12 million people without access to basic drinking water, according to UNICEF. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices further exacerbate the crisis, increasing the risks of disease outbreaks, severe malnutrition, and stunted growth in children.
The partnership’s launch highlights the urgency of addressing Afghanistan’s worsening public health crisis. “Proper hygiene is critical to protect children and families from disease outbreaks,” said Zhao Xing, China’s Ambassador to Afghanistan.
UNICEF noted that the funds will bolster Afghanistan’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, which have already provided safe drinking water to over 570,000 people and improved facilities in 178 schools this year.
“The effects of climate change are only growing stronger in Afghanistan, and timely humanitarian response is critical,” said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s Representative in Afghanistan. “This partnership with China is a significant step in strengthening our preparedness and response capabilities.”
This collaboration marks the first between UNICEF and China in Afghanistan, UNICEF said, expressing hope that it will serve as the foundation for expanded efforts to address the country’s urgent humanitarian needs.
“Through this initial partnership, we aim to bring immediate relief to communities facing extreme hardship,” Mr. Zhao said. “It is a new beginning in our shared commitment to the Afghan people.”
