Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous and most violent, crisis-ridden countries in the world.
Relief efforts in Afghanistan
Poverty is deeply entrenched in Afghanistan. This can be attributed in part to the country’s physical isolation, rugged terrain and often harsh climate; to underlying cultural norms, especially with regard to the rights of women; and to its recurring history of conflict, insecurity and outside interference.
Afghanistan’s poverty profile is further shaped by marked disparities between rural and urban areas, sustained population growth, extremely low levels of female participation in the work force, and the overwhelming prevalence of vulnerable forms of employment in informal and low-productivity jobs.
There is a persistent deepening and geographic spread of conflict. There are also regular violations of International Law and Human Rights. The security situation in Afghanistan continued to deteriorate in August 2021 when the country experienced a change in power and many feared that hard-won development gains, particularly for women and girls, would disappear.
CARE first established its mission in Afghanistan in 1961, but suspended activities after the Russian invasion of 1979. Resuming activities in 1989 from a new base in Peshawar, Pakistan, CARE delivered assistance to Afghanistan from across the border until 2002, when it shifted its main office back to Kabul.
CARE Afghanistan has developed programs around three main areas of work:
- Women’s and girls’ empowerment
- Enhanced resilience
- Humanitarian action
Each program sets out to contribute to significant and lasting change for socially and economically vulnerable women and girls who are lacking access to essential services. These programs focus largely on sexual, reproductive and maternal health; food security; women’s economic empowerment; inclusive governance; education; and emergency response.
2025 Afghanistan Earthquake
On August 31, 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck in Kunar and Jalalabad, in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in hundreds of casualties.
The earthquake struck a country already facing lack of global support for a severe humanitarian crisis.
CARE Afghanistan and local partners worked to reach communities affected by the earthquake, including in areas that were the most cut off and difficult to access.
You can help provide lifesaving aid and services when emergencies like this strike by giving generously to our Global Emergency Fund here.
Donate now
Support our ongoing work to create a more equal world.
Your donation can help end extreme poverty and give people the means to build a better future for themselves in countries like Afghanistan.
For those living in extreme poverty, your support brings education and training, healthcare and clean water, nutritious food, and new ways to earn an income. And in times of crisis, you help us deliver emergency relief. Please donate today.
Photo: © Mohammad Hakim/CoAR (CARE Partner in Afghanistan) and © CARE Afghanistan
