UN says millions in Afghanistan received support despite aid decline

The United Nations says it reached millions of Afghans with healthcare, education and livelihoods support in 2025, despite declining global humanitarian aid and mounting pressures from displacement, climate shocks and operational constraints.

According to the UN, funding for basic human needs programmes under its Strategic Framework for Afghanistan 2023–2027 rose for a third consecutive year, reaching $1.7 billion in 2025.

Scale of support

Summarising the scale of that support, Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said, “Millions of Afghans were reached with essential services, economic opportunities, and livelihoods support.”

He outlined what that meant on the ground. “For example, the UN and partners reached more than 34 million individuals: 43% men and 57% women received healthcare, more than 4.6 million children - 58% boys and 42% girls - enrolled in public education with UN assistance, and around 45,000 long-term jobs were created, with 45% for men and 55% for women, ensuring decent employment and income generation,” Ratwatte said.

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Ongoing challenges

The UN said these gains came even as reduced humanitarian assistance, large-scale population movements, climate pressures, disasters and operational constraints continued to strain households, markets and essential services across Afghanistan.

It added that communities had demonstrated resilience by working with the UN and other national and international stakeholders to meet urgent needs while also building longer-term self-reliance.

The organisation also said coordination with donors remained central to the response, with international partners and financial institutions helping to align funding with agreed aid priorities.

AnewZ sought comment from Afghan officials on the latest UN report but had not received a response by the time of publication. However, the Taliban have previously welcomed calls for continued humanitarian assistance.

Looking ahead, the UN said the needs of Afghans remain central to its work and that continued cooperation will be critical to building a more inclusive and resilient future.

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