The humanitarian community appeals for US $ 471 million in assistance for Afghanistan in 2013

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2013-01-29

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is marked by acutely low humanitarian indicators: every day 165 children under 5 lose their lives and a pregnant woman dies every 2 hours. Added to this is pervasive insecurity, high exposure to natural hazards, conflict displacement at a record high of nearly half a million people and growing slums in urban areas.

The priorities for humanitarian response in 2013 are to provide more assistance to the displaced, minimize the human impact of natural disasters and secure better access to people in need. Geographically, the five provinces with the highest needs are: Kandahar, Hilmand, Nangarhar, Ghazni and Kunar - all provinces where the conflict continues to take a high toll of civilian lives.

According to Mark Bowden, Humanitarian Coordinator, "The 2012 appeal was only 48% funded, which was disappointing, and we require a more robust response this year. For ordinary Afghans, humanitarian challenges will increase due to the transition and increased weather volatility. I want Afghans to know that we are committed to stay and deliver humanitarian relief to those in most need, through 2014 and beyond".

Source: Reliefweb

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