Kabul, Afghanistan — The harsh realities of life in Afghanistan’s most remote, post-conflict provinces—Kunar, Uruzgan, Baghlan, and Paktika—are compounded for survivors of explosive ordnance and individuals living with disabilities. But through a vital initiative, essential relief is reaching those who need it most, providing not just material aid but a renewed sense of dignity and support.

This targeted effort focuses on delivering specially designed health and hygiene kits and crucial winter assistance packages. The aid is meticulously channeled through physical rehabilitation centers, ensuring that the most vulnerable—prioritizing women, explosive ordnance survivors, and persons with disabilities—receive support. 

The initiative, which reached 834 persons with disabilities, is led by UNFPA and the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and implemented by Victim Assistance partners like Accessibility Organization for Afghan Disabled (AOAD), Development and Ability Organization (DAO), and  Health Disability and Development Organization (HDDO). The distribution effort targeted four of the most underserved and conflict-affected provinces—Kunar, Uruzgan, Baghlan, and Paktika. These areas are characterized by severe geographic and infrastructural barriers that have historically kept essential services out of reach.

Supplies as a lifeline

The kits—the Winterization Kit, Mama & Baby Kit, and Adolescent Girl Kit—were chosen to address immediate and pressing needs. For many, these supplies are a lifeline, helping them endure the challenging winter months and addressing specific health and hygiene requirements often overlooked in these remote areas.

The profound impact of this assistance is best told through the voices of those who received it.

In Paktika, a 40-year-old woman, an explosive ordnance survivor with a left leg amputation below the knee, expressed her gratitude while receiving a blanket. “Thanks to the donor and AOAD for their assistance,” she said. She also appealed for support for her community's broader health needs. 

In Uruzgan, a physical rehabilitation centre supervisor for DAO, Mr Zabihullah, highlighted the importance of seeing the provincial authorities witness the distribution, reinforcing the collaborative effort. 

For the beneficiaries themselves, the support was a source of relief. They include an explosive ordnance survivor with a below-knee leg amputation who shared an appreciation for the winterization kits they received. In Kunar, a woman with a left arm amputation, who received a kit from DAO, also expressed gratitude.

In Baghlan, the HDDO physical rehabilitation team voiced their thanks not just for the aid, but for the careful consideration of who it was serving.

Thanks to UNFPA for their generous donation by considering the explosive ordnance survivors and other persons with disabilities, particularly reaching children with congenital disability, by provision of Mama & Baby Kits.

Rebuilding resilience

These voices underscore the critical role of the kits—from warm blankets and durable tarpaulins to specialized health kits for mothers and adolescent girls. More importantly, they confirm that the aid is reaching its intended recipients, monitored by UNMAS/Mine Action Technical Cell Quality Management Officers who verify the process and gather direct feedback.

By reaching deep into the rural heart of these provinces, UNFPA and its partners are not only providing immediate relief but are also helping these communities rebuild their resilience and empower survivors to move forward from the lasting consequences of conflict. This initiative stands as a powerful example of how targeted, collaborative efforts can deliver a true lifeline to those facing the toughest barriers.