UNICEF Emergency Afghanistan Support 2023

February 2023 - Before the Taliban takeover the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was already one of the worst in the world. Since the Taliban takeover humanitarian needs continue to worsen and the challenging operational context has been further complicated. In 2023 an estimated 28 million people will require humanitarian assistance due to conflict chronic food insecurity displacement the coronavirus (COVID-19) widespread economic decline and climatic events. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is mandated by the United Nations General-Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights help meet their basic needs and expand opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF works in developing countries through its development and humanitarian assistance programming to fulfill its mandate including promoting the equal rights of girls and women and support their full participation in the political social and economic development of their communities. With Global Affairs Canada’s support in humanitarian emergencies UNICEF is providing life-saving health and nutrition interventions for children pregnant and lactating women to support the treatment growth and development of healthy children. The main activity for this project is to procure ready-to-use therapeutic food to treat severe acute malnutrition and child wasting.

The expected outcome for this project includes increased access to treatment for children between the ages of 6 and 59 months suffering from severe acute malnutrition using ready-to-use therapeutic food. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained for populations experiencing humanitarian crises.