Delivering much-needed supplies for earthquake-affected households in Afghanistan

By United Nations Office for Project Services

Delivering much-needed supplies for earthquake-affected households in Afghanistan

In October 2023, several earthquakes hit Herat, Afghanistan, causing substantial damage to more than 48,00 homes – including 6,000 women-headed households.

With funding from the government of Japan, UNOPS implemented the ‘Provision of Emergency Supplies’ project. The work addressed the urgent basic healthcare needs of vulnerable women and girls – including those who were affected by the disaster in the Herat Province as well as by displacement across the Kandahar, Khost, Paktika, and Nangarhar Provinces.

As part of the project, UNOPS has procured and distributed hygiene kits, ensuring that essential supplies reach people who are most in need. The project has benefited more than 61,000 people, with around 7,200 women and girls receiving hygiene kits.

“Ensuring access to basic healthcare needs, including hygiene kits, is essential for the well-being and dignity of those affected by natural disasters. The collaboration between UNOPS and the government of Japan underscores the collective commitment to providing timely and effective assistance to those in urgent need,” Nicholas George – Director and Representative of UNOPS in Afghanistan.

“Our top priority is to extend assistance to the affected people in Herat and other parts of the country who are in urgent need due to the catastrophic situation they are facing. Our focus remains deeply rooted in the well-being of the people, and our commitment will continue,” said H.E. Takayoshi Kuromiya, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan.