Afghanistan will remain a major crisis in 2026, the UN warns, partners warn

Years of conflict, exacerbated by rising food insecurity, recurring natural disasters, climate change impacts and large-scale returns of displaced people, have left an estimated 45 percent of the population – some 21.9 million people – in need of humanitarian assistance next year.

Of these, 17.5 million people – more than three-quarters of whom are women and children – have been prioritized for support under the coordinated response.

Food and basic hygiene

Food security and sanitation remain among the most pressing needs.

The Humanitarian needs and response plan for Afghanistan projects that will affect more than a third of Afghanistan’s population during the 2025-2026 lean season crisis level or worse food insecurity, as defined by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

This means that many households will meet only minimal food needs by depleting essential livelihoods – a sharp deterioration compared to the previous year.

The ongoing drought has also led to the failure of nearly 80 percent of rain-fed wheat crops in several regions, leaving many families without winter food supplies.

Sanitary conditions are equally poor, with an estimated 25 percent of households relying on unimproved water sources this year, while 37 percent lacked soap for basic hygiene.

The response will prioritize water, sanitation and hygiene needs in areas most affected by drought, cholera outbreaks, disasters and large-scale returns.

Coming home in a crisis

Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest and fastest growing displacement crises due to returnees, with around five million people returning to the country this year.

More than 2.6 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan, largely as a result of tightened migration policies and deteriorating protection conditions.

Many have returned to districts already struggling with poverty, food insecurity, drought and limited access to basic services, further straining local capacities.

More help for less

By 2026, humanitarian partners want to reach more people with fewer resources.

The $1.71 billion needed represents a 29 percent reduction compared to the resources needed in 2025. Nevertheless, the aim is to achieve approximately 4 percent more than last year’s target.

These changes are “driven by sharper priorities, notable efficiency gains, and a strategic shift away from costly, less sustainable interventions,” according to the response plan.