In Afghanistan, the winter season cyclically brings increased vulnerabilities, especially in areas of the country most exposed to hostile weather conditions. In recent months, we have distributed essential goods to survive the winter to more than 6,500 people
Getting through winter for Afghans is never easy. Producing food, and therefore income, is much more difficult than during the rest of the year because snow reduces the presence of pastures and areas to devote to raising livestock. Especially among those who struggle to obtain basic necessities, there is an increase in cases of hypothermia, acute respiratory infections and, in some cases, deaths directly and indirectly related to the cold in winter.
In the districts usually hardest hit by winter frost, it is estimated that more than 1 million people need aid to cope with winter. 81% of families living in these areas do not have adequate winter clothing and 77% do not have access to heating materials. Across Afghanistan, there are 5.8 million people in need of such aid.
Although this was a warmer-than-average winter, the low temperatures have significantly undermined the living conditions of the most vulnerable people, who lack the essential means to keep warm. In Kabul, INTERSOS has distributed more than 1,000 winter kits in recent months, which have helped about 6,500 people survive the winter. Our kits contain winter clothing, boots, blankets, waterproof tents, solar lights, camp stoves and cooking utensils.
Providing people with these simple tools can decrease respiratory infections, hypothermia and, in some cases, prevent mortality, especially for children under five and the elderly.