Afghanistan: In 2026, the UN makes a humanitarian plea for worth $1.71 billion USD

Afghanistan: is predicted to remain one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world in 2026, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) unveiled a $1.71 billion humanitarian needs and response plan for the country on Tuesday.

According to OCHA, 17.4 million people are expected to experience acute food insecurity in 2026, including 4.7 million in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), and an estimated 21.9 million people would need humanitarian aid, a 4% drop from 2025.

According to the office, 17.5 million people, or around 80% of those in need, would get priority relief from UN humanitarian partners in 2026 via a coordinated response that will cost 1.71 billion dollars. According to the Xinhua news agency, assistance would concentrate on life-saving and protective actions, such as food, housing, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, hygiene, and multifunctional financial help.

“Humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan continue to be driven by deep structural vulnerability, worsening food insecurity, and recurrent shocks, including climate-driven drought, large-scale returnee inflows, frequent earthquakes and floods, multiple disease outbreaks, and severe protection risks, especially for women and girls,” the office said, adding that the country’s needs remain among the highest in the world in a non-conflict setting.

More than 2.61 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 alone, putting a great deal of strain on host communities, basic services, and livelihoods, according to OCHA. This further complicates demands.