A Vital Support: The Impact of Cash Assistance on Afghan Families

Humanitarian Aid: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Families in Afghanistan

In a poignant testimony, a female beneficiary of cash assistance, Gulpari*, shared her deep appreciation for the support she received during one of the darkest times of her life. “Your help revived me, like bringing the dead back to life,” Gulpari stated, adding, “Every time I recite the Holy Qur’an, I pray for you all, because in very difficult times you took our hand.” Her gratitude is directed towards ActionAid, whose efforts are backed by the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Gulpari’s life took a harrowing turn at the age of 19 when a rocket attack on her home in Aryoub Zazi, located in Paktia Province, left her with paralysis in her legs. The physical wounds from that fateful day may never heal completely, but the psychological impact looms large. Despite medical advice suggesting recovery is possible through proper treatment, financial constraints put this hope out of reach for Gulpari and her family.

Now 35, she lives with her brother Amingul*, who bears the heavy burden of being the sole provider for their extended family of 14 in a modest home in Kabul’s Bagrami district. Amingul works as a cobbler, a role that becomes precarious as he navigates the complexities of supporting his siblings, including three brothers with neurological disorders. Recent injuries, including severe cuts to his fingers, have further impacted his ability to work and earn a living. “I haven’t been able to work for the past few days because my fingers were badly cut and torn. Now they are slowly healing, but I lost crucial days of income,” he lamented.

Their financial stability seemed unattainable until they received timely cash assistance. “When we received this aid, I was deeply in debt. We had no food at home. I used some of the money to pay off debts and buy food and medicine for my sister,” Amingul explained, illustrating the direct impact of humanitarian support on their lived realities.

The family is among 1,000 households—approximately 7,000 individuals—benefiting from ActionAid’s multipurpose cash project, a critical initiative designed to provide immediate financial relief to the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, returnees, and women-headed households. This cash assistance program allows families to prioritize their most urgent needs, contributing to overall resilience in the face of ongoing crises.

ActionAid’s direct cash distribution in Bagrami and Deh Sabz districts is conducted through a community-based selection process, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. Each eligible household receives 6 per month for three months, consistent with guidelines from the humanitarian community’s global Cash Working Group.

While this support offers a temporary reprieve for families like Amingul and Gulpari, the necessity for ongoing aid is critical. Thousands across Afghanistan continue to grapple with severe economic challenges, displacement, and health crises. Without sustained assistance, vulnerable communities risk falling deeper into despair, emphasizing the urgent need for both immediate and long-term humanitarian strategies.

*Names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.