Asian Development Bank allocates USD400 million for Afghans
Sep 21, 2023
Kabul [Afghanistan], September 21 : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the allocation of USD400 million to protect the livelihoods and well-being of Afghans who are at risk, with a particular focus on women and girls, Khaama Press reported citing the ADB's statement.
The United Nations will oversee the administration of this assistance. It will primarily address current food shortages, increase regional food production for long-term food security, and make sure that the Afghan people have access to basic healthcare services.
Notably, it is due to the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and earthquakes, Afghanistan is currently experiencing an unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe.
Women and children are particularly affected by poverty, which affects around 85 per cent of the population. According to the report, families headed by women are especially at risk for food shortages and limited access to essential services because of mobility issues, reported Khaama Press.
Three UN organisations will receive off-budget direct money as part of the Expanding Essential Food Security and Health Services Project, also known as Support for Afghan People, to meet their urgent financial requirements for immediate assistance in Afghanistan.
The World Food Programme (WFP) will receive a grant of USD100 million to address food security. More than 1.32 million people who are severely food insecure will benefit from this assistance, with a special emphasis on families headed by women and extremely vulnerable groups. Additionally, WFP will undertake Food Assistance for Training programmes to equip mostly women with marketable skills and business possibilities in agricultural areas including fruit and vegetable processing, supporting sustainable income and livelihoods for women, Khaama Press reported.
Afghanistan, a country heavily reliant on aid, lost Western donor support with the Taliban's return to power following the US and NATO pullout in August 2021.
The Afghan economy swiftly collapsed, forcing self-sufficient Afghans to seek humanitarian aid to survive. Because of widespread human rights violations, the Taliban's regime has been under international isolation.
Notably, with the resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the country’s educational system has suffered a significant setback. As a result, girls have been deprived of access to education, and seminaries or religious schools have gradually filled the void left by schools and universities.
