It’s been around a week since we’ve seen heartbreaking footage emerging from Afghanistan.

In a press briefing yesterday, the United Nations said that there are almost 16 million people in need across the country. Around 10 million children require humanitarian assistance to survive. 

Having worked with the most vulnerable in Afghanistan since 2008, humanitarian organisation Hagar Singapore also shared an update on its relief efforts in an email to supporters yesterday.

It estimated that in Kabul alone, there are approximately 13,000 displaced and/or vulnerable people who are most affected by the current situation.

Michael Chiam, Executive Director of Hagar Singapore, said: “The desperation of the people of Afghanistan at this time is so hard to watch but at Hagar, we trust this is not the end; because God is still on the throne despite the forces of darkness that have seemingly taken over the country.”

Hagar is committed to doing “whatever it takes, for as long as it takes”, he added.

“At this stage, we have assurances that our work in Afghanistan will be able to continue.

“Our colleagues on the ground, despite being afraid and stressed themselves, have been working to assess the situation thoroughly and develop a response plan so that Hagar can help those who are displaced and/or especially vulnerable.”

Over the weekend, work on food distribution and healthcare delivery to displaced children in one shelter have started.

There will be four types of relief activities that Hagar will be focusing on in Afghanistan:

1. Providing food aid and basic essentials to existing clients and other vulnerable individuals and families who are displaced or whose livelihoods have been severely impacted.
2. Offering primary healthcare for displaced persons. This includes setting up and running a mobile medical clinic under the care of Hagar’s in-house doctor.
3. Establishing an emergency shelter for at-risk homeless girls and young women. Over the last few days, Hagar has seen an increase in the number of destitute Afghan women looking for food on the streets.
4. Setting up child-friendly spaces where displaced children can continue to learn and play.

These activities are expected to cost $700,000. However, due to the unexpected situation in Afghanistan, none of these were budgeted for this year.

If you would like to partner Hagar in its relief efforts, you can make a donation here. Any questions can be directed to [email protected].

Besides financial support, Hagar is also calling for prayer and will be sharing its prayer list within a few days.

If you would like to stay updated on its work, check out its Facebook and Instagram pages, or subscribe to its mailing list.