The Afghan Government and the United Nations is launching a joint emergency appeal to avert serious humanitarian consequences and mitigate effects of a continuing drought.

According to the appeal an imminent food crisis threatens an estimated 2.5 million people living in Afghanistan due to inadequate rainfall in April and May. In addition 6.5 million people are seasonally or chronically food insecure.

DACAAR has offered its assistance to the Emergency Response Commission of the Afghan Government, and, as the only NGO, is part of the joint drought appeal for USD 76.4 million launched today. The appeal consists of a several interventions of which DACAAR is to ensure safe drinking water and adequate sanitary facilities.

‘This year’s severe drought situation affects not only agriculture, but also impacts on the supply of safe drinking water, as well as the health of the population in a large number of communities in Afghanistan. DACAAR sees it as an important obligation to offer its assistance to the Afghan Government and to help people in the drought affected areas. It is our hope that the Afghan Government will succeed in immediately establishing this emergency response to help people in the drought affected areas and to mitigate further consequences,’ says DACAAR’s Director, Erik Toft.

The joint drought appeal indicates numerous impacts of the drought and lack of safe drinking water if the call for emergency response is not heard. Providing safe drinking water facilities, adequate sanitation, and hygiene promotion will mitigate potential health risks; reduce time and energy used for fetching water, thus increase important future agricultural productivity; and not least prevent migration to urban areas.

The emergency appeal launched today, covers an initial period of six months, from July 2006 to December 2006. The Afghan Government’s Emergency Response Commission will lead the drought response process, supported by designated ministries, the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA), United Nations agencies and international partners including DACAAR.

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