After the withdrawal of international troops in May 2021, and the subsequent takeover by the Taliban, Afghanistan’s already frail economy fell by 40 percent. This was partly due to the collapse of the financial system that has prevented cash from entering and sustaining the country.

Decades of conflict, economic turmoil, and years of drought have led to a major food crisis in Afghanistan. Millions of children are hungry or malnourished, and at risk of starvation. It is difficult for women to find a job and earn an income. Many children are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse as a result of being forced to leave school early to marry or work.

ChildFund Australia is supporting WeWorld, which is working in Herat Province and providing emergency cash transfers to the most vulnerable families, especially households headed by widows or single mothers, living without income and in extreme poverty.