OCHA reports 88% funding shortfall for Afghanistan’s 2025 humanitarian aid

OCHA reports that 88% of the required funding for Afghanistan’s 2025 humanitarian aid remains unmet, threatening vital assistance efforts.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported a severe funding shortfall in Afghanistan’s humanitarian response for 2025. As of May 20, only 12% of the $3.06 billion required has been secured, leaving 88% unmet. This financial gap threatens to undermine efforts to assist the 22.9 million Afghans—nearly half the population—projected to need aid this year.

In the first two months of 2025, humanitarian agencies have managed to deliver approximately 7 million metric tons of food assistance. However, this effort has been insufficient to meet the escalating needs, with nearly 15 million people experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. Among them, 3.5 million children and over 1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition.

The situation has been exacerbated by a significant reduction in international aid. In January 2025, the United States suspended over $40 million in foreign assistance to Afghanistan, leading to the cessation of operations by numerous aid organizations. This includes the closure of over 200 health facilities, depriving 1.8 million people of essential medical services.

The funding cuts have also severely impacted women’s aid organizations. According to UN Women, over half of the surveyed groups are at risk of closure within six months due to financial constraints. This jeopardizes access to critical healthcare, legal aid, and trauma support for vulnerable women and girls .

In response to the crisis, the United Nations has allocated $48.5 million from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund and the UN Emergency Fund to address urgent needs. However, this amount is insufficient to cover the vast requirements, and further international support is urgently needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with millions of people facing life-threatening conditions. The international community must act swiftly to bridge the funding gap and ensure that aid reaches those most in need. Failure to do so risks exacerbating the crisis and undermining years of development progress.

OCHA has emphasized the necessity for sustained and unrestricted funding to address the multifaceted challenges in Afghanistan. This includes not only immediate relief but also long-term investments in health, education, and infrastructure to build resilience against future shocks. Without such support, the prospects for recovery remain bleak.

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