France, FAO and UNICEF launch €2 million aid program for eastern Afghanistan earthquake victims

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF and the Government of France have launched a €2 million initiative to support communities in eastern Afghanistan affected by the August 2025 earthquake.

Funded under the French Initiative for Food Security and Nutrition (FIFSAN), the program targets Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, directly benefiting 51,870 people and indirectly reaching about 190,000 more. It focuses on restoring food security, improving nutrition and protecting livelihoods, particularly for women, children, adolescent girls, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and female-headed households.

Implemented using FAO’s Cash+ approach, the aid includes unconditional cash transfers, livestock protection, poultry and vegetable support, and nutrition education. UNICEF will provide access to nutritious first foods, promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices, strengthen child nutrition counseling, support treatment of severe malnutrition, and improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.

"Targeted support gives families the space to recover with dignity rather than being forced into impossible choices," said Richard Trenchard, FAO Representative in Afghanistan. Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative, noted that nearly 80% of Afghan children affected by malnutrition are under two, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

Pajhwok reported the program will cover Chawki and Nurgal districts in Kunar province and Dara-i-Noor district in Nangarhar. The earthquake struck on August 31 around midnight, measuring 6.0 to 6.2 on the Richter scale with its epicenter in Nurgal, Kunar. Government statistics cited by Pajhwok indicate it caused 2,205 deaths and 3,640 injuries in Kunar, 12 deaths and 255 injuries in Nangarhar, and 80 injuries in Laghman, destroying 6,782 homes.

Khaama Press highlighted that returning Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran are exacerbating food insecurity and humanitarian needs in the affected regions.