While the headlines may have moved on from Afghanistan, the reality is that the situation remains critical. Here we share an update from our local partners about how you can be praying for the people of Afghanistan amid the uncertainty.
Breaking point
The main challenge that people are facing is hunger. There are heartbreaking reports of parents selling their children because they cannot afford to feed them.
This is partly due to bank closures and currency shortages across the country. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has banned the use of foreign currency within the country, which is likely to make the problem even worse.
The severe drought – the worst in more than a decade – means that hoped-for harvests have failed. Many families were relying on these to see them through the coming winter.
Coronavirus crisis
The other crises that are affecting Afghanistan have overshadowed a growing threat in the country: coronavirus. Cases – and the number of reported deaths – are increasing as the virus is rapidly spreading.
With resources dwindling, more and more people are unable to afford healthcare once they are taken ill.
Hospitals and health centres are also operating at a limited capacity due to the uncertainty in the country. Many healthcare professionals have also fled the country following the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s return to power.
Reaching out
Some of our local partners have been able to restart their programmes. This work has included reaching hundreds of people with emergency food provisions, as well as sharing accurate information about coronavirus to help slow the spread.
However, there are uncertainties around the new government structure, and so some of the projects remain on hold. It is unclear when these will be able to resume.
Please keep praying for Afghanistan in this time of uncertainty.
