A total of 309 humanitarian organizations were active across Afghanistan during the first three months of 2026, delivering assistance in 401 districts nationwide, according to a new report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The report, which maps humanitarian operations between January and March 2026, found that national non-governmental organizations accounted for the majority of aid providers, with 200 organizations operating across the country. International NGOs represented 96 organizations, while 13 UN agencies were involved in humanitarian activities.
The data provide one of the most detailed snapshots of the humanitarian response in Afghanistan at a time when aid agencies are grappling with funding cuts, rising humanitarian needs and growing pressure from the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries.
According to the report, Kabul recorded the largest humanitarian presence, with 83 organizations actively delivering assistance and 102 organizations reporting operational capacity to respond if needed. Kunar had the second-largest operational presence with 94 organizations active and 96 reporting response capacity, while Nangarhar recorded 91 active organizations and 97 with operational capacity. Herat had 74 organizations operating and 77 with response capacity.
At the other end of the scale, Panjshir reported the smallest humanitarian footprint, with 19 organizations actively operating and 21 reporting operational capacity.
The report shows aid agencies working across multiple sectors, including health, nutrition, food security, agriculture, education, emergency shelter, water and sanitation services. Humanitarian organizations reported both current operations and their ability to expand assistance into districts if conditions require additional support.
OCHA noted that the mapping exercise reflects organizations with a humanitarian presence on the ground as well as those capable of conducting assessments, monitoring activities and delivering aid during the reporting period. The agency described the data as a work in progress and said not all organizations may be represented if they failed to report through the humanitarian coordination system.
The findings come as Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The country continues to face widespread poverty, food insecurity, recurring climate-related shocks and growing needs among returning migrants, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian assistance.
