To assist needy families, China, UNICEF sign $1.5m pact

KABUL (Pajhwok): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Chinese Embassy in Kabul to address urgent needs of Afghan children and families.

The agreement worth $1.5 million was signed today (November 28) in Kabul, under which the aid will be provided to people affected by natural disasters and diseases in the health sector.

According to the agreement, UNICEF will distribute health and hygiene kits, including soaps, shampoo, nail clippers, clothes, sanitary pads, toothpaste, water containers, and some specific items among 28,500 households, which include 289,000 people.

During the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing, stated that the implementation of this project in Afghanistan is a clear example of China’s commitment to global development, international security, and civilization.

He added, "The peace and stability of Afghanistan are not only important for regional security, but also have special significance for global development."

He further emphasized that the resolution of Afghanistan’s issues was only possible through political negotiations and called on the international community to increase its support for peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan.

He expressed that this agreement was part of China’s commitment to the Afghan people and hoped that similar assistance would continue in future.

UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, Dr. Tajuddin Oyuwaal, said that the MoU prioritized health needs of children and women and assisted communities facing severe humanitarian challenges.

He stated, "Afghanistan is one of the most affected countries by climate change, with millions of people deprived of basic needs due to prolonged drought and the lack of clean water. This situation, especially for children, exposes them to serious health risks from waterborne diseases."

The UNICEF representative added that the impact of climate change in Afghanistan was increasing daily, further heightening the need for humanitarian assistance.

sa/ma