The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is the defining global health crisis of our time. Since its emergence late last year, the virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica.
A story of women in Afghanistan leading the way.
Although Afghanistan is still in the ‘Pre-Surge’ phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) sources, the country has a low level of preparedness in relation to the level of response that is likely to be required.
As the world copes with one of the most catastrophic pandemics of modern times, laboratory services and testing capabilities are proving to be most critical in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.
Suhaila Qadery, 24, had a lifelong dream of studying in a top university in the west and getting a high-quality education. But as a young woman in Afghanistan, it was never going to be easy.
“Who would marry a short girl like her? Look at her legs. Why did you come, it’s better you stayed at home.” This is what Nazia, hears from people whenever she goes to a party or a gathering.
Matiullah was two and a half years old, lying in her mother’s arms, when the rocket hit.
Accompanied by a deafening blast, the ceiling collapsed on them in a shower of wood and earth. They could see nothing in the clouds of dust.
Latest Video: Another Chance at Life
A rocket attack in 1992 left Matiullah with mental and physical scars, as well as a permanent disability.
Today, despite his disabilities, Matiullah has a job in a local garment factory in Jalalabad. Find out how this happened and how he got another chance at life. Watch on Youtube >>
Afghanistan in photos
Check out what we do and who we work with. Take a tour of UNDP’s work in photos to change the lives of ordinary Afghans.
Media coverage
Local and international media coverage of our work in Afghanistan, with links to print and video stories.
Who we are
UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on challenges related to climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods and rule of law.
Guided by the government and its Development Councils, our work is fully aligned with the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework and National Priority Programmes, and is carried out in close coordination with partner UN agencies under the One UN Framework.
As the UN’s development network, we connect the Afghan government and people with the resources and information they need to drive their own development according to their own priorities, as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
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When we began our work five decades ago, one in three people worldwide lived in poverty. Now? Just one in eight. Let’s finish the job.
About Afghanistan
31.7%
of Afghans are literate
35.8%
of population living below the national poverty line
17.5
is the median age in Afghanistan
8.3%
of people uses internet
