Following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, economic and political instability in Afghanistan has resulted in further deterioration of basic service provision across the country, increased prices for fuel and staple foods, reduced household purchasing power, and exacerbated vulnerabilities that constrain the ability of Afghan households to meet their basic needs. Approximately 28.3 million people in Afghanistan—two-thirds of the country's population—are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Taliban restrictions—including the December 2022 and April 2023 directives barring Afghan women from working for non-governmental organizations and UN agencies—continue to obstruct aid operations throughout the country and limit women and girls' access to humanitarian assistance. USAID remains committed to supporting partners and providing humanitarian assistance in areas and sectors where female aid workers are able to participate. With USAID support, humanitarian partners are providing emergency food and nutrition assistance, health care services, and livelihoods, multipurpose cash, protection, shelter, livelihoods, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support to vulnerable populations countrywide.
