Residents of Helmand Province are facing worsening economic conditions, with many families unable to afford basic necessities like food and clothing, particularly during the harsh winter months.
Several residents said that the shutdown of most foreign aid organizations has exacerbated their hardships, leaving them without essential support. Women in particular have voiced concerns over food shortages, which they say have become a major source of anxiety.
Sahargul, a young girl in Helmand, endures the cold winter without shoes or warm clothing. She and her four brothers struggle to get by with minimal food and insufficient protection from the freezing temperatures.
Her father, Abdul Samad, said his family has been in dire straits since aid organizations ceased operations.
“I want aid groups and the government to pay attention to us, but I have lost hope in both because no one cares about us,” he said. “There are families in our area who, I swear to God, do not have food for dinner. There are widows and orphans here with nothing to eat. I have been seriously ill and bedridden for the past eight months.”
For many Helmandi women, the lack of food is an overwhelming burden. Nazgul, a mother in the province, said her household has only two kilograms of flour left.
“I swear to God, I have nothing to eat. For three years, aid organizations have come and registered my name, but I have never received any assistance. I am extremely poor and helpless,” said another resident, Eqleema.
“I have a ten-year-old daughter who is seriously ill, and my husband is also bedridden and unable to work,” Nazgul added.
The worsening crisis comes as more than 50 aid organizations have halted their operations in Afghanistan following the suspension of U.S. humanitarian assistance.
