Washington, 30 September 2021 (TDI): The USAID administrator Samantha Power talked with the President of World Bank David Malpass. She particularly talked about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
During her conversation with the President of World Bank, USAID administrator, Samantha Power mentioned the humanitarian need and the crippling health care system of Afghanistan. She also talked about possible ways of working together to help improve humanitarian conditions and health care services in the country.
After the withdrawal of the USA from Afghanistan, and the takeover by the Taliban the humanitarian conditions in the country are concerning. Due to the cessation of funding by donor governments and security concerns by organizations like the UN working in Afghanistan, the health care services and economic conditions of Afghanistan are worsening. People in Afghanistan are facing hunger and the country is still in chaos.
USAID Afghanistan
USAID is helping Afghanistan become a more responsible and integrated member of the region and the world. Great strides have been made in health and education, bringing more Afghans back into economic and civic life. USAID and its partners will continue to build upon this foundation. Our focus includes investing in energy, industries and capacities that will generate broad-based and inclusive economic growth and improve security. We are working with the Afghan people to lay the foundation that enables a successful transition from a donor-supported economy to one driven by Afghan growth and ingenuity.
World Bank
To date, the World Bank has provided a total of over 5.3 billion for development and emergency reconstruction projects, and eight budget support operations in Afghanistan. This support comprises over $4.8 billion in grants and $436.4 million in no-interest loans.
Violence continues to affect the security of livelihoods and economic activity in the country. Civilian casualties reached unprecedented levels since 2016. The country’s humanitarian challenges worsened, with increasing numbers of returnees and persons internally displaced by growing violence.
Recently the World Bank has paused its operation in Afghanistan as a result of the Taliban’s taking over. World Bank is monitoring and assessing the situation in line with its internal policies and procedures.
