A UNICEF humanitarian response plan for Afghanistan faces a funding shortfall of more than $542 million, raising concerns about the ability of aid agencies to respond to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
In a new report, UNICEF said its 2026 appeal for Afghanistan seeks nearly $949 million but remains only 43 percent funded. The agency warned that continued donor support will be critical to preventing further deterioration in living conditions across the country.
The funding gap comes as nearly 22 million people — including 11.6 million children — require humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan this year.
UNICEF described Afghanistan as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, citing prolonged economic hardship, climate-related shocks, underinvestment in basic services and restrictions affecting women and girls.
Food insecurity remains widespread. The agency said an estimated 17.4 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity during parts of 2026, including nearly 4.7 million experiencing emergency levels of hunger.
Malnutrition also continues to threaten millions of children. UNICEF estimates that 3.7 million children under the age of five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will suffer from acute malnutrition between 2025 and 2026. Nearly 942,000 children are expected to require treatment for severe acute malnutrition this year alone.
The report also highlighted mounting pressure on Afghanistan’s healthcare system, with funding shortages affecting the operation of health facilities across the country and limiting access to essential services for millions of people.
Humanitarian needs have increased further following the return of large numbers of Afghans from neighboring countries. According to UNICEF, more than five million Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran since late 2023, placing additional strain on already overstretched communities and public services.
Natural disasters have compounded the crisis. Heavy rains, flash floods and landslides in April affected tens of thousands of people across several provinces, damaging homes, schools, health facilities and critical infrastructure.
Protection concerns also remain acute. UNICEF noted that women and girls continue to face significant challenges accessing services and opportunities, while unexploded ordnance remains a persistent threat. The agency said children account for nearly 80 percent of casualties caused by explosive remnants of war in Afghanistan.
Despite the challenges, UNICEF reported that it continued to deliver assistance across the country. During April, more than 6.3 million people accessed healthcare services through UNICEF-supported facilities, while community-based education programs reached approximately 60,000 children, the majority of them girls.
The agency also expanded emergency support for returning migrants and displaced families, providing health care, nutrition services, clean water, sanitation assistance and psychosocial support at key border crossings and reception centers.
UNICEF warned, however, that humanitarian operations face growing uncertainty as funding declines. The broader Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which aims to assist 17.5 million people this year, was only about 14 percent funded as of May.
The agency said additional financial support would be essential to sustain life-saving programs and prevent further suffering among Afghanistan’s most vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.
