The United Nations Development Programme has warned that Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis continued to worsen throughout 2025, with nearly 28 million people unable to meet their most basic living needs. Rising poverty, prolonged drought conditions, and declining international aid have significantly increased pressure on families already struggling with food shortages and unemployment.
According to the report, Afghanistan’s economy recorded only modest growth in 2025, expanding far below the country’s population growth rate. This imbalance has resulted in declining real income levels for many households. The report also noted that a large portion of the population has been forced to rely on harmful coping mechanisms, while household debt levels remain extremely high across the country.
The humanitarian situation has been further complicated by worsening drought conditions and the return of millions of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries. These developments have increased demand for already limited resources and public services, placing additional strain on communities facing limited healthcare access and food insecurity. Climate-related shocks are also affecting agricultural productivity, with drought impacting a significant share of Afghanistan’s arable land.
The UNDP report also linked Afghanistan’s economic difficulties to restrictions affecting women and girls, particularly in education and employment. According to the agency, these limitations have weakened the country’s labor force participation and reduced household income opportunities, further worsening poverty levels among vulnerable families.
At the same time, funding shortages have forced many healthcare facilities to either close or reduce operations, limiting access to essential medical services. The United Nations emphasized that continued investment in livelihoods, local businesses, healthcare systems, and public services will be critical to preventing further economic decline and humanitarian deterioration in Afghanistan.
