UNICEF provides urgent winter support for earthquake-affected children and families in eastern Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan, 27 January 2026 – Children and families affected by the earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan are receiving urgent winter support through a US$600,000 contribution from the Gates Foundation through the United States Fund for UNICEF, enabling UNICEF to provide emergency cash assistance to families and to winterise service tents so that critical support for children and mothers can continue through the coldest months.

The contribution supported UNICEF to deliver emergency cash transfers to 1,045 earthquake-affected households, prioritising families with members injured during the earthquakes.

“This contribution from the Gates Foundation came at a critical moment, as families face the harshest weeks of winter after the earthquakes,” said Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan. “It has helped families meet urgent needs and, critically, enabled the continuity of life-saving services for children and mothers through safe spaces and community-based support, even in difficult winter conditions.”

In addition to cash assistance, the support enabled UNICEF to winterise 47 tents where community services are delivered, including health services, child-friendly spaces, temporary learning spaces and other support for children and mothers such as breastfeeding centres, helping keep these spaces safe and accessible throughout the winter season.