UNICEF provides clean drinking water to 688,000 Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced that it provided access to clean drinking water for 688,000 people in Afghanistan in 2024, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve living conditions for children and families.

In a statement marking World Water Day on March 22, UNICEF highlighted that clean water was supplied to schools, hospitals, and homes, emphasizing the initiative’s role in safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable communities, particularly children, Khaama Press reports.

“Every child deserves access to clean drinking water,” UNICEF stated, stressing the importance of safe water for children’s growth and development.

Despite this progress, Afghanistan’s water crisis remains severe. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 33 million Afghans—nearly 80% of the population—still lack access to adequate drinking water. The crisis affects essential needs, including drinking, cooking and agriculture, exacerbating the country’s humanitarian challenges.

UNICEF previously reported that between 2023 and 2024, it provided clean water to 25 districts in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces. These efforts focus on rural and underserved regions where access to basic services remains limited.

While UNICEF’s initiatives mark a significant step in addressing Afghanistan’s water crisis, the scale of the problem remains vast. With continued support from international organizations, improving water access could lead to better health outcomes and a stronger foundation for development in the country.