2001
First intervention
238.900
People reached
9
Projects
9.685.978€
Budget spent
Context
Despite significant improvements in safety and security, 2023 remained a challenging year for Afghanistan, as it grappled with the aftermath of decades of conflict, political upheaval, and chronic poverty. The nation faced a compounding crisis, characterised by natural disasters, economic decline, and complex humanitarian challenges.
This year, the UN estimates that 29.2 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian aid—more than two-thirds of the national population. Of these, 17 million are severely food insecure, with 3.4 million in an emergency situation. Additional pressures included a swarm of earthquakes, the deportation of 1.7 million undocumented Afghans by Pakistan, and the closure of health centres due to funding cuts, leaving 17.6 million in need of health assistance.
Legal challenges and interference by the de facto authorities severely hampered humanitarian access, impacting efforts to reach remote areas. Access to social and educational services for women and girls has been further hampered.
INTERSOS’ intervention
In this context, INTERSOS continued to support communities in Kabul, Kandahar and Zabul provinces, with particular attention to boys and girls, mothers, people with disabilities and elderly people at risk, as well as displaced persons and returnees. We carried out protection, health and nutrition activities, including the distribution of non-food items and cash assistance to the most vulnerable sections of the communities.
More specifically, we provided medical consultations, medicines, referrals to specialised services where needed, support to the local health system on immunisation, as well as maternal, emergency and trauma services. In addition, our humanitarian staff assisted people in need through nutrition programmes for children, pregnant and lactating women.
Additionally, in terms of protection, we provided individual case management, mental health and psychosocial support services, support for survivors of gender-based violence, economic and entrepreneurial support. Children’s safe spaces were created to ensure a safe environment for minors at risk.
