UNICEF Seeks $950 Million for Afghanistan Aid Response in 2026

UNICEF says it needs $949.1 million in 2026 to respond to mounting humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, warning that millions of children and families remain trapped in overlapping crises driven by poverty, climate shocks, weak services and protection risks. The agency said the appeal is intended to support 12 million people, including 6.5 million children, with life-saving aid and basic services.

In its latest humanitarian appeal, UNICEF said an estimated 21.9 million people in Afghanistan; including 11.6 million children, are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026. It said communities across the country continue to face repeated natural disasters, a fragile economy, limited access to health, water and education, and the growing impact of climate-related shocks.

The agency also warned that the protection crisis is deepening, with women, children, youth and other vulnerable groups facing increasing risks. UNICEF said restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment are making the humanitarian situation more severe and could leave long-term damage on Afghan society and future generations.

UNICEF said chronic underinvestment in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, combined with repeated climate shocks, has intensified needs and weakened the resilience of already vulnerable communities. It stressed that timely donor support will be critical not only for emergency relief, but also for helping families withstand future crises.

The appeal comes as aid agencies continue to warn that Afghanistan’s basic systems remain under heavy strain after decades of conflict, displacement and economic disruption. UNICEF said its 2026 response will focus on healthcare, nutrition, education, protection and safe water, while prioritising the most vulnerable children and families.

Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most fragile humanitarian settings, with millions of people relying on outside support for access to food, health care, education and clean water. UNICEF says repeated emergencies have made recovery increasingly difficult.

UNICEF and other UN agencies have repeatedly warned that continued restrictions on girls and women are worsening both the humanitarian and long-term development outlook, especially in areas such as education, child protection and health services.

UNICEF said meeting the 2026 funding target will be essential to saving lives, protecting children and helping Afghan communities cope with another difficult year of crisis.

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