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A long-running war, an uncertain political climate, and a tentative peace process already placed Afghanistan in a problematic position when COVID-19 struck. Preventing the long-term consequences of the outbreak is, therefore, a top priority. Despite many countries experiencing a decline in COVID-19 cases worldwide, Afghanistan experienced the most significant number of new cases in a single day since the virus' spread. As a result of underreporting, the actual figure is probably even higher. The secondary effects of the pandemic, in addition to the impact of the virus itself, continue to affect communities that were already struggling

 

Many have struggled with job insecurity, wages, or unemployment since March due to restrictions enacted across the country. Many people in the country have been forced to sell their possessions in order to feed their families. There is great anxiety about how deep and prolonged this crisis will be and its impact on their livelihoods. According to the most recent household survey data, nearly 15 million Afghans at a total of 2 million households are particularly affected by economic lockdown. At least half of the income in these households comes from daily activities such as shopkeeping, street or market sales, or daily labour in construction, agriculture, or personal services. The money they earn during the day is used to feed the family in the evening. As a result, millions of people have been forced to choose between exposing themselves to the virus or going without the income needed to put food on the table. The pandemic has also reduced employment opportunities throughout the country, putting increasing financial pressure on individuals and families.

 

Meanwhile, food supply chains have been disrupted due to lockdowns and movement restrictions, increasing prices for essential staples and food. As of July 2018, Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) estimates that 12.2 million Afghans are now experiencing food insecurity at crisis levels. As a result, they turn to potentially harmful coping strategies, such as reducing expenditures on education and food or selling assets, to mitigate the damage caused by unexpected income losses. On average, only two months of actual consumption can be covered by selling assets, sacrificing future earning capacity, and delaying human capital accumulation. As a result, nearly one in every two children under the age of five is likely to be malnourished this year. Since the crisis has worsened, more than half of the population is living in food insecurity, the second-highest prevalence worldwide.

 

“You never know when a helping hand will change another person’s entire life”

– Zig Ziglar

 

To help reduce the potentially devastating poverty impact of the crisis and protect the most vulnerable, we have double the number of families we sponsored from 7 to 14. These are mainly widows, often the most vulnerable group in Afghanistan. Caring for several children, widows have no way of earning an income. This program provides those most in need with a monthly supply of food and additional support to cover the cost of shelter. It removes the pressures of putting food on the table and the worry of sending their children to work since they cannot earn enough to feed everyone. Allowing them to stay home, reduce the spread of the COVID,  protect their families and focus on their education.

 

However, we need your help to protect more of the most vulnerable from the spread of this virus. In a country where thousands live hand to mouth, the lockdown means families have no access to food, water, and shelter because of the virus. Every little can make a difference and save a life.

 

Donate now to protect some of the most tried people on earth.

 

Sponsor a family. Make a difference.