UNICEF Warns of Worsening Water Crisis in Afghanistan
Tajudeen Oyewale, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative in Afghanistan, has warned of a worsening water crisis in the country, saying the situation is affecting the lives of children and local communities.
In a message on Saturday (24 October), Oyewale cited climate pressures, rising demand for water, over-extraction of water resources, funding and infrastructure shortages, and challenges in water resource management as factors worsening the crisis.
He also thanked UN member states, donors and international financial institutions that participated in a UNICEF briefing on Afghanistan’s water crisis.
UNICEF previously reported that in 2025, 46 per cent of Afghan households identified access to safe drinking water as their most serious concern, compared with around 31 per cent in 2024.
UNICEF also said that in 2025, around 25 per cent of households in Afghanistan relied on unimproved drinking water sources.
Shortages of safe water and sanitation services increase the risk of disease and malnutrition, making conditions even more difficult for children and vulnerable families.
