Reference :
V-P-AF-E-03029
Date :
16/04/2024
Caption :
Paktia province, Sayed Karam district, Khokhseen village. Children collect drinking water from a fountain. To improve access to drinking water, the ICRC supports the renovation of infrastructure.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
“Afghanistan: A year of responding to numerous humanitarian challenges
In 2024, communities in Afghanistan continued to face a dire situation marked by persistent economic challenges, natural disasters and the consequences of decades of armed conflict. International sanctions and reduced foreign aid created further challenges, contributing to a grim situation in a country where millions of people are grappling with poverty, food insecurity and difficulties in accessing essential services like health care.
The plight of vulnerable groups, including women, children and people with disabilities, is particularly concerning. This alarming situation requires sustained international attention and long-term support to ensure that essential assistance reaches those in need.
- Katharina Ritz, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Head of delegation in Afghanistan.
[...]
Access to safe drinking water has long been a challenge for communities in Afghanistan, notably in densely populated areas. "The water supply is unreliable, and the underground water level has significantly declined. Sometimes, water is only available late at night, around 10 or 11pm, with no set schedule for it," said Mohammad Noman, a Kabul resident, highlighting the inefficiencies of the existing water supply system. This unpredictability underscores the urgent need for improving infrastructure and for a more sustainable water management system to better serve the requirements of the communitie.
To improve access to clean drinking water, the ICRC supports the renovation of infrastructure across Afghanistan. In 2024, our teams successfully repaired 1,247 existing hand pumps across 9 districts. These efforts have directly improved water accessibility for over 170,000 people, contributing to better public health, including reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. [...]"
ICRC website, article 31-12-2024
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
4080x2295
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
