Overview
In 2025, an estimated 22.9 million people in Afghanistan ─ nearly half of the country’s 46 million population ─ require humanitarian assistance. As a result of the humanitarian reprioritization process, 16.8 million people have been targeted for assistance, for which $2.42 billion is required.
In 2025, Afghanistan is expected to receive a substantial influx of returnees, with projections estimating around 1.6 million individuals arriving from Pakistan and up to 2 million returnees coming from Iran. More than 836 713 individuals (92% from Iran) arrived from Iran and Pakistan since 10 April 2025. Despite determined efforts of UN agencies and local authorities, and a powerful public outpouring of practical support to the returnees, the pace and scale of returns are overwhelming already fragile support systems.
Meanwhile, humanitarian operations remain dangerously underfunded. Afghanistan is grappling with significant health challenges marked by a fragile healthcare system and unequal access to services, particularly in rural areas. Outbreaks of communicable diseases, maternal and child health issues, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity rates. There is a looming threat of disease outbreaks, including acute watery diarrhea (AWD),
measles, Polio, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), dengue fever, COVID-19, pertussis, and malaria. Trauma cases remain prevalent due to explosive ordinance contamination, sporadic explosions, and road traffic accidents. Psychosocial distress affects half the population, with one in five individuals experiencing impaired daily functioning due to traumatic events.