UNICEF Raises 15% of $2 Billion Goal for Afghan Children

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United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said 15% fund of the appeal – a $2 billion goal– aimed at countering the challenges facing Afghan children in 2022, has been raised, the organization said.

UNICEF released a report providing an update on the situation of Afghan children and information on UNICEF’s responses as well as funding requirements to meet these needs.

“The UNICEF Afghanistan Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal is the largest in the history of the organization, valued at US$ 2 billion for 2022. Thanks to partners’ generous contributions, the appeal is currently 15% funded,” the report said.

The devastated economy of Afghanistan has affected the children from various sides—with many suffering from severe malnutrition and other diseases and many others engaged in child labor to provide food for their families.

A media reporter reached out to the five orphans of one family who lost their parents over the past four years.

Samira, 13, lost her father while she was 10 and her mother died two-year ago. She is living alone in a hazardous area in the capital city of Kabul.

“I am worried about the future of my sisters—what will happen to them—we don’t have money to buy them books and pens and to send them to school,” she said.

Samira is also taking care of her four siblings.

“Our room was cold. I was ill but we didn’t have money for medicine. My sister borrowed money from neighbors and bought me medicines,” said Shakilla, sister of Samira.

UNICEF highlighted some numbers applying to January 1-31 2022:

  • “2,475,535 people were reached with basic primary health care services provided by 10,200 health workers in 1,031 health facilities across 17 provinces.
  • “8.6 million children under five years were reached through a four-day nationwide national polio immunization campaign launched mid-January 2022.
  • “281,302 children were reached with education services through 8,982 community-based education classes.
  • “3,240 children on the move (897 girls) received protective services through UNICEF-supported programs.
  • “Winterization and hygiene kits were provided to 30,355 households with vulnerable children.
  • “223,581 people reached with critical WASH supplies and hygiene promotion services.”

Meanwhile, analysts believe that UNICEF has been spending a large amount of money on its administrative affairs.

“The expenses of the UNICEF’s administrative affairs is a lot,” said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist.

This comes as the UN and other humanitarian organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns over the humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.

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