Winterization Assistance to Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) and their families in Mazar-e Sharif City of Balkh province of Afghanistan Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies, driven by decades of conflict, lack of a functional and responsive administration, economic decline and successive series of droughts, combined with an immeasurable amount of applied constraints on the Afghan population. As per IPC’s May 2022 released report, 18.9 million people (45 % of the population) are facing high level of acute food insecurity (IPC phase 3 or above) and HRP 2022 indicates that 11 million people are in need of shelter and NFI assistance. In addition to that, freezing winter temperatures, especially in high altitude locations drive the need for the provision of life-saving winter assistance as the majority of the affected persons do not have the financial capability to purchase items to support them during the harsh winter season. 

To reach the most vulnerable Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) families, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has designed the lifesaving proposed project, which will be implemented in Mazar-e Sharif city of Balkh province. The proposed location for the winterization intervention is because Balkh experiences extremes of winter every year. 4 months where a temperature of as low as -8 is experienced. The vulnerable families of PLW cannot afford heating, blankets, winter clothes during the winter season while income goes down and family expenditure increases.

The proposed project aims to ensure that 1,190 poorest and most vulnerable PLWs families, 8,330 individuals (men-1,666, women-1,666, boys - 2,499, and girls - 2,499) are protected from harsh winter conditions through winterization assistance. The project will follow both cash and the in-kind distribution modalities. Direct Cash Transfer (DCT)) will be used to provide cash assistance for heating materials and fuel. Winter Cloth Kit and Blanket Package will be distributed in-kind winter cloth kit items are- Children Sweater-5, Adult Sweater-2, Woman’s Winter Shawl-2, Male winter wrap, Patto-2, Winter Shoes for adults-2, Boots for children-4, Socks pairs-12, Children Woolen winter Gloves-4, Warm Winter Woolen Children Caps-4 and banket package items are - Single Size (4), Double Size (01). IRW will implement a complimentary response and provide a combined package of cash for heating materials like gas and fuel and in-kind winter clothing kit and blanket package. 

In-kind has been chosen for the clothes and blanket distribution so as to ensure the best value for money and thus the ability to reach more families. Initial market assessments suggest that buying clothes and blankets in bulk from the provincial or national level will allow IRW to purchase good quality with reasonable price. 

An ES/NFI cluster standard, 200 USD, cash assistance for heating material including fuel and gas was chosen to allow beneficiaries feel empowered by giving them the responsibility of making their own decision on how to cover their heating material needs. IRW’s recent market in the proposed area shows that heating materials like fuel, gas and wood are available in the local markets and that supply chains will remain open for duration of the winter. 

The target households will be selected based on the pre-defined set of criteria that prioritizes the most vulnerable PLWs families. IRW will involve all sections of the target population (women, girls, men, boys, people with disabilities, and the elderly) through a participatory and inclusive approach.

IRW will ensure that a complaints feedback mechanism is fully functional. IRW will also follow the “Do No Harm” principle that guides to ensure beneficiaries’ security and safety.