Afghanistan has struggled with one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world for decades. As millions struggle to survive, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has provided vital humanitarian aid, including emergency relief and longer-term development support.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s recent history has been tumultuous, with over four decades of conflict and instability that have battered its population. Today, approximately 24 million Afghans are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Some 6 million Afghans have been displaced from their homes and 3.7 million children are out of school. The pervasive food insecurity and lack of access to basic services have exacerbated the struggles of Afghans—particularly women and children, who make up 80% of newly displaced individuals.
The situation is further complicated by frequent natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, which have destroyed homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure. These disasters have pushed already vulnerable communities closer to the brink of catastrophe.
Islamic Relief USA’s Commitment to Afghanistan
For over 20 years, IRUSA has been committed to alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people. With regional offices in Kabul, Balkh, Herat, and Nangarhar, the organization is well-positioned to provide timely and effective aid. Over the years, IRUSA has allocated significant resources to support humanitarian efforts and continues to supply aid to families across Afghanistan, plus Afghan refugees in the US.
In 2022 alone, IRUSA served 413,695 people through a range of projects that addressed urgent needs and helped build long-term resilience.
Recent Emergency Assistance Projects
IRUSA has been at the forefront of providing emergency assistance to flood-affected families across Afghanistan. Following the devastating floods in northern Afghanistan on May 12, local teams deployed to Baghlan on May 14 to assess the damage and distribute Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to the most vulnerable individuals. The floods destroyed homes and crops and exacerbated the already dire food crisis in the region.
In addition to immediate flood relief, IRUSA has also implemented winterization projects to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees during the harsh Afghan winters. The winterization assistance provided heating materials, food, and blankets to thousands of families, helping them survive the cold months. These projects targeted the most vulnerable groups, including families with young children, the elderly, and those led by women.
Past Projects and Their Impact
Islamic Relief USA has funded a wide range of humanitarian aid projects in Afghanistan. These projects have had a profound impact on the lives of those they reach.
Emergency Assistance to Flood-Affected Families in Kapisa, Herat, and Balkh Provinces
In response to devastating floods in Kapisa province, IRUSA funded a project to support 5,600 people. The initiative provided 800 flood-affected households with essential food packages and emergency blankets. These donations helped these families survive and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the disaster.
A separate project aimed to support 850 food-insecure families in Herat and Balkh provinces. This project was made possible through meticulous planning and coordination with local communities, shura councils, and civil society activists.
Home-Based Education for Women
Recognizing the barriers to education that Afghan women face, IRUSA launched a project to provide literacy training, skill development, and health awareness to women in Nangarhar, Bamyan, and Balkh provinces. This initiative empowered women with essential skills and knowledge and improved hygiene and nutrition practices, making a positive impact on child nutrition and reducing mortality rates.
Winterization Assistance for IDPs and Returnees
The harsh Afghan winters pose a severe threat to internal displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. To mitigate this, IRUSA’s winterization project provided heating materials, food, and blankets to 3,000 families.
Assisting Orphans’ Education
IRUSA has also launched projects focused on the education of orphaned children in Nangarhar and Bamyan provinces. By shifting from an orphanage-based approach to a community-based model, the project provided 658 orphans with quality education, improved family livelihoods, and skill-building opportunities.
Humanitarian Assistance to Earthquake-Affected Families
Following the October 2015 earthquake in the Hindu Kush mountains, IRUSA’s rapid assessment teams identified the urgent needs of affected families. The project provided food, non-food items, and shelter to those who lost their homes and livelihoods.
The Power of Donor Support and Future Goals
Islamic Relief USA’s humanitarian projects in Afghanistan have had a profound impact, made possible through the generous support of donors. These initiatives have transformed lives and allowed for hope amid despair. Looking ahead, IRUSA remains committed to expanding its reach and impact in Afghanistan, with a focus on sustainable development projects that address the root causes of poverty and suffering. To learn more about these efforts, see irusa.org/asia/afghanistan.