It is time for us to realise how severe existing hunger crisis in Afghanistan could get as a result of the pandemic
KARACHI: While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted individuals and communities across the globe, it has had a rather severe impact in Afghanistan. Majority of the population in the country live in closed and crowded quarters with limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Their poor living conditions make them more vulnerable to contracting the virus while their lack of access to PPEs remains yet another challenge to be dealt with.
Due to limited access to mass communication, they are also deprived of messages and information related to safety and precautionary measures that need to be taken during such a crisis. Schools provide a safe space for these children, allowing them to experience a better life and providing them a system for support. The closure of schools is more likely to add to the miseries of young individuals as their exposure to the outside world has been completely restricted. Lockdown restrictions will have serious repercussions for young girls and women who are now more exposed to abuse inside their homes. The pandemic will increase manifold the challenges that Afghanistan faces as the crisis is likely to increase poverty levels across the country.
World powers and the neighbouring countries including Pakistan must contribute by supplying essential goods to Afghanistan while following appropriate safety measures. It is time for us to realise how severe the existing hunger crisis in Afghanistan could get as a result of the pandemic. We all need to come forward and help them during this time of crisis.
Nayab Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2020.
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