Appeal launched to help a million Afghan children

KABUL (Pajhwok): An appeal to raise money for a million Afghan children at risk of dying this winter is set to be launched today (Wednesday).

The Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal seeks funds for member charities to urgently respond to conflict, economic collapse, drought, famine and Covid-19 in Afghanistan.

DEC charities, including the International Rescue Committee UK, British Red Cross, Save the Children and CAFOD, stress quick action to help the eight million Afghans facing starvation this winter.

ITV quoted the DEC as saying on Wednesday that a million Afghan children under the age of five were at risk of dying over the next three months.

The appeal will fund DEC charities to provide emergency food and nutrition support for children and healthcare facilities.

The charities will also provide winter kits to help families stay warm and supply clean drinking water besides protecting women and girls.

“We can’t just sit back and let that happen. We must act fast to reach them with the food they so badly need,” said the DEC chief executive.

Saleh Saeed added: “We urgently need to scale this work up to reach many more in need. People are starving – eight million are on the brink of famine.”

PAN Monitor/mud