nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
2020 now the largest ever return year on record for undocumented Afghan migrants with the total exceeding the 805,000 migrants that returned in 2018.
For those who have been studying, how have they done so? People in this household have been teaching them/helping them study: 56%, Using existing books/materials: 58%, With paper packets distributed by teachers/schools: 21%, Using online resources: 4%, Followed classes broadcast on TV: 22%, Followed classes broadcast on radio: 7%
Actors should consider the purchase of food produced locally to support the local economy and ensure vulnerable families have food. In doing so particular care must be taken to avoid disrupting local pricing, in particular given the increases in food prices already highlighted.
Despite of low infection in higher age groups the case fatality ratios are getting increased. Almost 22% of deaths is recorded in age group of >70 years.
Provinces such as Helmand, Ghor, Kapisa, Badakhshan, Urozgan and Nooristan have not reported any deaths yet. However, it should be noted that few provinces have good reporting mechanism while in some other provinces the deaths are not properly reported and recorded at provincial level
COVID 19 in Afghanistan   Total Deaths: 309; Total Recovered: 1,763; Active Cases: 16,897; Total Cases: 18,969; New Cases: 915
7% do not return to their areas of origin due to lack of livelihood opportunities, perceived insecurity, lack of basic services including schools, reunification with family/relatives, and lack of housing/shelter.
A total of 12,787 people including vulnerable families from host communities, IDPs in protracted displacement and returnees from Iran received humanitarian assistance in Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan and Sar e Pul provinces.
Over 1,000 people were reportedly displaced by ongoing fighting in Baghlan province. Assessment teams identified 199 households  ( approximately 1,393 people )  displaced by conflict in Baghlan, Badakhshan and Kunduz provinces to receive humanitarian assistance in the coming days.
On 28 March, the Afghan government placed the city of Kabul on a three week lockdown, which included closing of nonessential businesses and restriction of movement; this was extended to 21 May 2020
With screening staff operating at the Herat and Nimroz border points as well as case workers operational across 11 provinces of return, this week the Protection team carried out case management assessments for 52 new People with specific needs households in Nimroz, Ghor, Takhar, Sare Pul, Kunduz, and Faryab. These cases included 12 people with serious medical conditions, 6 older persons at risk, 5 women at risk, 5 children at risk, and 1 single parent
Interagency assessment teams identified 47,012 people to receive immediate humanitarian assistance. A total of 13,216 people received humanitarian assistance including IDPs, undocumented returnees, and people who received food aid as part of the COVID 19 response.
On 1 July, the Wolesi Jirga approved amendments to the national budget, shifting funds from development projects in insecure provinces and from the operational budget to the new budget line for COVID 19 related interventions.
Six children  ( three girls and three boys )  were also verified as having been abducted by the Taliban.
Since 2016, the number of returnees has significantly decreased each year, although returns from Europe marginally increased.
In the wake of the pandemic, the existing challenges for elderly people living in Afghanistan have been exacerbated, such as limited medical access due to lockdown, public transport limitations, and lack of mental health support.
Food security was heavily impacted for all Afghans, as the country is highly dependent on imported food and goods.
Many families rely on remittances from Iran and Pakistan, which were reduced 50 per cent between April and June as the result of similar economic turbulence in both countries during this period.
In April 2020, the government opened national food reserves for public use and experimented with distribution of wheat in West Kabul.
There is a critical need for further awareness raising by health care organisations with a specific gendered outreach to ensure women receive accurate information.
These two visions of COVID 19 as linked to lack of faith and foreigners/returnees have real health implications. Returnees may hide that they have come from abroad and be reluctant to report symptoms. Those with symptoms may not acknowledge them and seek treatment if it causes others to judge them as lacking in faith.
8%  [ of respondents ]  think that if you believe in God, it will not harm you, others noted “Muslims are not affected by this disease' and “I heard from scholars that whoever does not sin will not get this disease'. This attitude poses problems in terms of prevention – prayer will not prevent COVID 19 – and potential social stigma for survivors in the future, as some may conclude that those who fall ill are ‘bad' Muslims.8
Female participants were not aware of where to get information about protection services for Gender Based Violence – but did not mention how Concern could better share this information with them.
Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever  ( CCHF )  is an acute zoonotic disease caused by a tickborne virus  ( Nairovirus )  transmitted through contact with infected ticks or animal blood, human to human contact  ( through infectious blood or body fluids ) , or the use of improperly sterilized medical equipment and supplies. The disease has haemorrhagic manifestations with considerable mortality in humans. Major complications of CCHF include hepatitis, rapid kidney deterioration, sudden liver failure or pulmonary failure which may lead to death  ( CFR up to 30% ) .
97% of the interviewed returnees/deportees from Iran and 14% from Pakistan stated that they will try to find a job in their province of origin. 37% of the interviewed returnees and deportees stated they would like to join the police/army. The latter was satated by a very small number of interviewed deportees and returnees from Iran  ( 0.1% )  in 2020.
Afghanistan is a complex and fragile environment with natural and man made disasters exacerbated by protracted conflicts at local and national levels
In Uruzgan province, sporadic hostilities were reported in Tirinkot, Gizab and Dehrawud districts with ongoing clashes between ANSF and an NSAG. New displacement is predicted in Dehrawud district as the fighting intensifies.
The Norwegian Red Cross has in country presence and strongly support ARCS network of 45 clinics with health interventions, WASH and CBHFA activities across the country.
Overall, many poor households are expected to be unable to meet all essential food needs, with Crisis  ( IPC Phase 3 )  outcomes likely.
Coordinate with national and local government bodies to ensure women are part of COVID 19 coordination and response, taskforce, and committees.
The nominal retail price of rice in Jalalabad was maximum from October 2020 to February 2021 and was minimum in September 2020.
The nominal retail price of wheat flour in Nili was maximum in January 2021 and was minimum in October 2020.
Humanitarian Mine Action survey and clearance is recommended in Panjwaye, Arghandab, and Zhari districts of Kandahar province to ensure safe returns.
As of 04.05.2020 MoPH data, Kabul has outnumbered Herat in number of cases and deaths with 779 confirmed cases and 16 deaths. Herat has now reported 571 confirmed cases and 14 deaths, followed by Kandahar  ( 393 confirmed cases and 8 deaths ) , Balkh  ( 208 confirmed cases and 13 deaths ) , and Paktya  ( 125 confirmed cases and 3 death ) .
Cases are expected to increase rapidly over the weeks ahead as community transmission escalates, creating grave implications for Afghanistan's economy and people's well being. Kabul is now the most affected part of the country, followed by Hirat, Kandahar and Balkh.
The nominal retail price of wheat grain in Kandahar was maximum in October 2020 and was minimum in September 2020.
The nominal retail price of wheat flour in Kandahar was maximum in October 2020 and was minimum in September 2020.
Seventy five per cent of displaced people with self reported needs indicated they would prefer those needs to be met in cash.
The Darulaman Palace  ( 300 beds )  and Kabul and PolyTechnic universities' dormitories have been converted into isolation facilities in Kabul city.
In 2020, the school year may also extend into winter to allow catch up classes for those missed during COVID 19 lockdowns. This will mean additional resources to keep children warm at school.
The response will focus on urban and rural areas, reaching the majority of those identified to be in ‘crisis' and ‘emergency' levels of food insecurity  ( IPC 3 and 4 )  throughout the year, although with different volumes of assistance.
Disease surveillance campaigns will continue and MHTs  [ Mobile Health Teams ]  will be augmented to include an additional vaccination component. The Health Cluster will support the Protection Cluster and channel Mental Health and Psychosocial Support  ( MHPSS )  support through health services to meet increased need. The Cluster will link its COVID 19 activities with the polio eradication programme, which was paused due to physical distancing requirements. The linkage will provide additional resources to support COVID 19 surveillance, contact tracing and community awareness.
The need for such training  [ Frontier Technologies for Sustainable Development training programme, held online from January to April 2020.  ]  in developing and conflict affected nations is particularly pressing, as frontier technologies also carry the risk of increasing technological inequalities.
Another incident affecting a health facility due to inaccurate fire and resulting in a humanitarian casualty was recorded in January when during crossfire between ANSF and the Taliban, a projectile impacted against an NGO run clinic and wounded a nurse.
The Taliban also targeted Afghan forces, leading to fierce clashes, the most lethal of which took place in Herat, Wardak, Balkh, and Zabul provinces. The Taliban used suicide attacks with car bombs in the Shindand district of Herat and Shah Joi district of Zabul.
The 11 incidents recorded in Q1 2021 are on par with the 12 incidents logged in Q4 but clearly below the 25 physical constraints recorded in Q1 2020
In Q1 2021, the HAG recorded at least 56 access constraints resulting from military operations and kinetic activity. The number of access constraints in the first quarter of 2021 significantly surpassed the levels recorded during the same period of Q1 of 2020, but were at a much lower level than incident numbers in Q4 2020, when humanitarian actors were affected in at least 94 instances dictated by an overall high level of conflict activity across the country  ( see figure 5 ) .
Livelihood and/or income generation programs are recommended to mitigate reliance on negative coping strategies, including early and forced marriage and HHs debt accrual.
The nominal retail price of Wheat Grain in Maimana was Maximum from December 2020 to February2021 and was minimum from September to November 2020.
The number of access constraints stemming from military operations and kinetic activity decreased by 40 per cent, from 94 incidents in Q4 2020 to 56 in Q1 2021. The drop can be mainly attributed to a significant reduction in access constraints due to ongoing fighting. This is in line with an overall reduction in fighting in the first three months of 2021, compared to Q4 2020.
While local implementing partners and community elders can play an important role in facilitating engagement with Taliban, the HAG cautions against attempts to fully outsource outreach to external partners and advises to consider direct engagement at a local level;
Partners operating in Taliban controlled, or influenced areas require a coherent, well developed access strategy, including on strong engagement with local Taliabn;
Take immediate action to benefit from newly created initiatives and funds to fight the outbreak of COVID 19 like: e )  The Global Fund continues to work closely with partners at global, regional and country levels on COVID 19 preparedness and response, from resource mobilization for CEPI  ( Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation ) , mobilizing the private sector, securing the supply of vital medical products and expediting the development of diagnostics, to support WHO's overall leadership of the global response.
On the ANSF  ( Afghan National Security Force )  side, the HAG  ( Humanitarian Access Group )  recorded two detentions of humanitarians in Q4, including one arrest by NDS  ( National Directorate of Security )  on suspicion of cooperation with NSAG TB  ( Non State Armed Group – Taliban )  , and one temporary detention of an NGO staff member by NDS  ( National Directorate of Security ) due to an alleged misunderstanding.
NSAG TB initiated 36 incidents involving violence against humanitarians in Q4, nearly on par with the 39 incidents recorded in Q3. This included 15 abductions and at least one temporary detention, during which at least 24 humanitarian workers were abducted or detained.
The increase in the number of threats and intimidation attempts, up from 22 in 2019 to 46 incidents in 2020, can equally be explained by financial motivation. While the majority of threats  ( 32 )  was attributed to NSAG TB, they were mostly driven by financial motivation rather than by ideology.
In five instances, access was impeded by the lack of road infrastructure following NSAG TB  ( Non State Armed Group – Taliban ) attacks on key infrastructure.
Industry and services have been severely impacted by the COVID 19 crisis. Demand for goods and services is being suppressed by lockdown measures.
Apart from the above mentioned examples, neither government or NSAG TB members directly opposed or targeted C 19 response activities. However, while there might not have been direct opposition, both government and NSAG TB continued their ‘regular' interferences with humanitarian activities, thereby also delaying C 19 response activities.
These borders restrictions also significantly impacted food prices in local markets. According to WFP's market price survey for June, almost all main food commodity prices had increased by 15 to 40 per cent, compared to pre C 19 prices, while casual laborers' and pastoralists' purchasing power decreased by four and 11 per cent respectively. Since then, the start of the harvest season and the recent border reopening have led to a decrease in food prices, compared to June, while casual laborers' and pastoralists' purchasing power also improved.
Transportation and roads are to be clear for clinics
The ICCT has also produced a contingency plan for an earthquake affecting a major city in Afghanistan with serious impacts especially for people's shelter and NFI needs. The scenario plans for a magnitude 7.6 earthquake with an epicentre between Kabul and Jalalabad, affecting 7 million people and leaving 3 million people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. While this risk is considered an ongoing possibility with a high impact for which detailed contingency planning is required, the likelihood a quake will strike in any given year is low, with no major earthquake having struck Kabul in modern times.
Against the odds, humanitarians have maintained a national presence, expanded their geographical reach and anticipate reaching the vast majority of the people they planned to support by the end of 2020. However, the depth of the assistance provided has been limited by underfunding  ( 49 per cent of requirements received with two weeks of 2020 remaining ) . Due to funding constraints and urgent COVID 19 needs, there has been greater focus on higher reach, lower cost and less comprehensive programming  ( such as mass awareness raising and prevention campaigns, risk communications and community engagement  ( RCCE )  activities, remote education rollout ) . This has been at the expense of more complex and costly durable interventions that require greater time and investment, such as transitional shelter or health system strengthening.
International flights resumed in June but continue to be unreliable, with many last minute cancellations. Both Turkish and Emirates airlines requiring for passengers to have a negative C 19 test. Local flights also resumed in mid July. The UNHAS airbridge connecting Kabul and Doha continues to operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, only accommodating transiting passengers. UNHAS has been closely monitoring demand on the Doha Airbridge and noted a significant reduction in passenger loads with the resumption of commercial flights. However, given the lack of clarity on continuity and predictability of services from commercial airlines, UNHAS remains committed to support the Doha Airbridge until 30 September 2020 as per the initial plan.
Most of these IDPs  ( 75% )  are found in need of urgent humanitarian assistance as per the historical trend data from the Food Security and Agriculture Cluster  ( FSAC )  Afghanistan. Although there are various assessments and definitions of IDPs in Afghanistan, IDPs are mainly categorized under new, prolonged or protracted IDPs.
Health workers are the major source of information and are most trusted. The social networks and news media are another source of information. Religious leaders and community elders are considered as trust worthy. People have given feedback on the posters and other communication tools. It is important to consider their feedback on reduced contents in the poster. Develop simple and pictorial messages. The posters should not be clumsy
36% of respondents mentioned family members are the source of health information.
Entrepreneurs among returnees receive financial assistance to open businesses and pay rent.
59% of the respondents regarded themselves as likely to be infected with COVID  19 and men  ( 60% )  responded which is marginally higher than women  ( 58% ) .
All  ( 100% of parents )  indicated they do not have access to tablets/smart phone/internet. Moreover, all  ( 100% of parents )  stated they were not willing to give permission to their children to use tablets or smart phones if they had access to these devices. Yet all  ( 100% of parents )  have access to simple phones with basic features that could support radio. To note, in these three districts, only the fathers are reported to have access to the simple mobile phones, and not the mothers, due to the social customs.
Production of fruit and nuts for processing and export is being negatively impacted by disruption to supply chains and closure of export routes.
While government and non government organisations' mechanisms for providing compensation or aid to victims of the conflict do exist, over 75 per cent of victims who stated that they applied for assistance reported that they are still awaiting their compensation, did not receive the full amount, or were unsuccessful in their application. One victim reported being told he would need to pay bribes to apply for compensation with the Government of Afghanistan.
At least 8.8 million people will be in “Crisis'  ( IPC Phase 3 ) , and 4.3 million people are expected to be in “Acute Emergency'  ( IPC Phase 4 ) . Furthermore, around 10.6 million people will be borderline of "food insecure"  ( IPC Phase 2 ) .
From the above graph, Mass Media  ( 92% ) , the local Prayer hall/Masjid  ( 92% ) , fellow prisoners  ( 84% ) , Jail warden  ( 84% )  and health workers  ( 52% )  are the major sources of information on COVID 19. Prison guards  ( 12% )  and visiting family members  ( 32% )  are the other sources of information. The following is the analysis of the gender differences related to source of information
Preventive measures: Avoid shaking hands and social hugging as greetings  ( 20% ) , Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash hand after sneezing  ( 40% ) , Avoid contacting anyone who is sick especially with the symptoms of cough, cold and fever  ( 44% ) , staying indoors  ( 44% )  and wash hands regularly using soap and water frequently  ( 48% )
Kabul Region had the highest proportion of COVID 19 positive infection  ( 53% )  followed by East Region  ( 42.9% ) , Central Region  ( 36.3% ) , West Region  ( 34.1% ) , Northeast Region  ( 32.4% ) , Southeast Region  ( 32.2% ) , North Region  ( 30.7% )  and lowest was in CentralHighland Region  ( 21.1% )  followed by South Region  ( 25.8% )
The survey findings also reveal that the proportion of IgM positive among participants aged 5 17 was 3.3%  ( 4.1% males and 2.3% females ) . The highest proportion of IgM positive was reported in the south region  ( 4.7% ) , followed by Kabul region  ( 3.5% ) , West region  ( 3.3% ) , Central region and Northeast region  ( both 2.8% ) , Southeast region  ( 2.4% ) , Central highland region  ( 1.6% ) , East region  ( 1.4% )  and lowest the North region  ( 1.2% ) . Furthermore, the proportion of IgM positive was 3.7% in rural areas compared to 2.3% in urban areas during the survey.
For instance, in Kabul province, more than half of the province's population has achieved the required herd immunity, the lowest reported herd immunity of 43%, while this proportion is 21 percent in the central highland. As majority of the populations are still at risk of infection.
Over 200 health staff are presently deployed to support the Ministry of Public Health's Response efforts in 5 provinces with a new deployment in Ghor province over the past week. Over 500 community health workers have also been trained on COVID awareness and personal protective measures in Nimroz, Helmand, Herat, Kandahar and Nangarhar.
WV must strengthen the ability of existing family, community and national level systems to provide mental health and psychosocial support to children and caregivers. This should be achieved by building capacity of existing structures such as Faith Leader Forums, to deliver PSS activities for children in a COVID 19 conscious modality  ( home to home sessions, socially distanced activities in Madrasas ) .
( S ) GBV is a plight in Afghanistan. In the bigger cities the situation has improved over the years, but not in the villages. “There is a direct correlation between levels of education and violence against women. In rural, impoverished areas, there's more domestic violence and more gender based violence', specifies Attaiy. “Often', Omari adds, “this violence is the result of misinterpretations of Sharia laws.'
It is significantly clear that the COVID responders have better access to PPE health gear compared to other health workers. However, the announcement of MoPH that 50% of the health professionals are into COVID 19 response and encourage more to join in the response. The rural communities are not tested yet and thus keeps the pressure on health worker's safety
Specific family shocks, such as parents or family members who were ill or disabled, are drivers of migration and this will only increase under COVID 19.
Most children and their families do not want to move but feel that they have no other choice but to do so. In discussions, participants often used the language of obligation and of being ‘forced' to make a decision on migration because they see no other options.
Respondents indicated limited access to information about COVID 19. Out of 161 women respondents, 73 think their community has limited information about the pandemic; 63 feels that people have all the right information, and 24 said people have no information.
The Directorate of Mine Action Coordination  ( DMAC )  is a directorate of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority  ( ANDMA )  and coordinates the sector taking a country wide approach to needs and has a crucial role in increasing mine action activities to protect children.
Government and Health actors should work together to ensure healthcare is universally accessible and barriers  ( fees, excessive travel distance, lack of female staff )  addressed as a matter of urgency.
Issue exceptions on movement restriction policies for GBV survivors or those at risk of experiencing violence to seek safety and access support.
Development Actors should ensure the design and implementation of gender responsive and transformative social safety net responses in coordination with humanitarian actors.
Active fighting, increased risks from improvised explosive devices  ( IEDs ) , and threats to health workers have resulted in partial or total closures of several health facilities in the region, and had adversely affected nearly 140,000 people across the three provinces as of November 18, according to relief actors
The GoA's decision to close schools from mid November to March 2021 in provinces that are most affected by winter conditions will affect approximately 115,000 children who would lose humanitarian support provided through schools.
In Hilmand province, fighting between the n Afghan National Security Forces  ( ANSF )  and a non state armed group  ( NSAG )  continued in Nade Ali and Nawa e Barakzaiy districts. Fighting was also reported in Shamul Zayi district, Zabul province. In Kandahar province, the security situation remained tense mainly in Zheray, Panjwayi and Arghandab districts.
Amongst some of the most vulnerable displaced populations, over 80 per cent of families have reported debts leading to difficulties in paying rent or other basic housing. This has prompted increased levels of borrowing by families to cover food, education or rent.
To Humanitarian Actors: • provide livelihoods support to small, medium and micro businesses and utilise cash interventions, including cash for rent and protection • redouble efforts to understand and address the immediate and long term challenges as a result of missed education due to the Covid 19 lockdown • prioritize ongoing monitoring of the secondary impacts of Covid 19 to ensure that new and emerging needs are identified, planned for, and addressed
( 25 February 2021 ) Only 293,649 people out of a population of 40.4 million have been tested.
( 19 25 February 2021 ) Under the Global Fund multi country TB grant in partnership with UNDP, a total of 9,423 undocumented Afghans were screened for tuberculosis at the Zero Point Reception Centres in Herat, Nimroz, Kandahar and Nangarhar. Of the total screened, 308 presumptive TB cases were identified, 304 were tested for sputum and 7 persons were confirmed positive for TB.
( 29 Jan 04 Feb 2021 ) IOM's Protection programme has supported 276 undocumented returnee households comprising at least one person with specific needs  ( PSN )  in 2021 through provision of timely information, facilitating safe and dignified access to services, and provision of assistance including cash to mitigate identified protection risks and avoid resorting to negative coping mechanisms when referral pathways are exhausted.
Only 335,965 people out of a population of 40.4 million have been tested.
On 25 March, 935 internally displaced persons  ( IDPs )  received humanitarian assistance in Kandahar province.
A total of 4,767 people received winter assistance in Daykundi province. In addition, the Government provided winter assistance to 2,100 people in Khost province.
A total of 3,829 people affected by conflict received humanitarian assistance in Faryab and Jawzjan provinces.
Pulses: The average price decreased by 0.1% compared to the fourth week of November but remained 21% higher than 14 March. Prices decreased in: Nuristan  ( 3% ) , Urozgan, Zabul, Kandahar, Nimroz and Hilmand  ( 1% ) , Prices decreased due to the reduced level of pulses being used as a result of the availability of locally produced vegetables. Meanwhile prices increased in: Balkh  ( 4% ) , Kunar ( 3% )  and Nangarhar  ( 1% ) , due to a temporary supply shortfall. Prices were highest in Hilmand, Nimroz, Kandahar, and Bamyan  ( AFN 121, 113, 105, and 105 per kg, respectively ) , due to the use of high quality red beans. Prices were lowest in Takhar, Sari Pul and Hirat  ( AFN 68, 72 and 73 per kg, respectively ) .
The nominal retail price of rice in Jalalabad was maximum in from October 2020 to January 2021 and was minimum in September 2020.
Interviewed returnees from Iran were travelling to 33 provinces, with the majority  ( 70% )  intend to return to Herat, Nimroz, Faryab, Takhar, Ghor, Badghis, Ghazni, Balkh, Kunduz, and Farah, provinces.
67% of the respondents went to Iran in search of livelihoods opportunities, 24% due to conflict, 6% to visit family/relatives, 2% for medical treatment, and 1% for other reasons.
2016 through 2018 saw record numbers of Afghans displaced by conflict and natural disasters, with about 1 million displaced each year, based on our key informants' estimates.
According to the Border Monitoring Team of the Directorate of Refugees and Repatriation  ( DoRR ) , a total of 17,217 Afghans returned from Iran through the Nimroz  ( Milak )  and Herat  ( Islam Qala )  borders between 06 12 December 2020, a 3% increase from the previous week  ( 16,704 ) .
Onion: The average price decreased by 1.3% compared to the second week of November. The decrease occurred in: Zabul ( 43% )  and Badakhshan  ( 13% ) . The main reason for the decrease was improved supply. Meanwhile price increased in Urozgan ( 20% ) , Laghman  ( 13% ) , Kandahar  ( 11% )  and Nimroz  ( 5% ) . The main reasons for the increase were higher seasonal demand and its export to Pakistan.
Sugar: The average price decreased by 0.1% compared to the second week of November and was 18% higher than 14 March. The decrease occurred in Jawzjan  ( 9% ) , Kunar  ( 6% ) , Laghman ( 4% )  and Nangarhar  ( 2% ) , due to increased supply. Meanwhile prices increased in Kandahar  ( 13% ) , Nuristan ( 6% )  and Paktika  ( 2% ) , due to high demand and shortage of supply.
Wheat Flour  ( Low Price ) : The average price remained unchanged compared to second week of November, and remained 11% higher than 14 March.
Interviewed returnees from Iran were travelling to all 34 provinces across the country, with the majority  ( 69% )  stated that they were intending to return to Herat, Faryab, Nimroz, Takhar, Ghor, Kunduz, Badghis, Balkh, Farah, and Ghazni provinces
( 20 31 December 2020 ) In 2020, 575,564 patients have been served by IOM's Migration Health Unit in Nimroz, Helmand, Ghor, Herat, Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces with basic health care  outpatient consultations, maternal, child and neo natal health care, reproductive health, family planning and COVID 19 response. Programming is supported by the UK's FCDO, the Governments of Japan, Canada, Germany, DG ECHO, CERF, the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund and the United States' Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration  ( BPRM ) .
During the reporting period, a humanitarian partner provided winterisation assistance to 400 households  ( approximately 2,800 people )  in Uruzgan, Nimroz and Zabul provinces. In Kandahar, the number of families humanitarian partners aim to reach with winterization support increased from 600 to 800; and in Hilmand, the target increased from 500 to 800 families.
The increase in bureaucratic impediments, from one recorded incident in 2019 to 40 such incidents in 2020, is indicative of a more tense relationship between the GOA  ( Government of Afghanistan )  and the humanitarian community.
Between 11 January and 14 February, 24,075 people – including pregnant and lactating women – across Kunar and Nangahar provinces were reached with COVID 19 awareness raising sessions by Nutrition Cluster partners. A total of 419,223 people across the country have been sensitised on COVID 19 preventive measures by Nutrition Cluster partners since the start of the COVID 19 crisis.
In 2020, the HAG recorded 225 movement restrictions, compared to 43 in 2019. The biggest impediment to humanitarian movement was the presence of checkpoints along the major routes.
During the reporting period, 700 people displaced by conflict were assessed by interagency assessment teams and will receive humanitarian assistance in the coming days in Hirat province.
Fighting between Afghan National Security Forces ( ANSF )  and an non state armed group ( NSAG )  continued in Badakhshan, Baghlan, Kunduz and Takhar provinces. In Kunduz province, approximately 4,879 people were reportedly displaced by ongoing fighting.
Afghanistan now has a test positivity rate – positive tests as a percentage of total tests – of 23 per cent, suggesting overall under testing of potential cases
Armed clashes between Afghan National Security Forces ( ANSF )  and an non state armed group ( NSAG )  continued in Balkh, Faryab, Sar e Pul, Jawzjan and Samangan provinces.
This week  [  ( 28 December 2020  3 January 2021  ] , 8,596 people received cash assistance for winter in Ghazni, Kapisa, Paktika, Bamyan and Logar provinces. Needs assessments continued for vulnerable people in need of winter assistance across the central part of the country.
Interference with recruitment by both parties to the conflict is reported throughout the country, but also significantly underreported as these incidents rarely cause a serious threat or lead to suspensions of project activities.
During the reporting period, interagency assessment teams identified 1,660 people displaced by conflict to receive immediate humanitarian assistance in Kandahar province. On 27 January, 1,301 IDPs received humanitarian assistance in Kandahar province.
Some humanitarian activities were suspended in Panjwayi district in Kandahar Province due to ongoing fighting. Needs assessments for people affected by conflict were temporary suspended due to ongoing fighting in Gizab district, Uruzgan province.
WFP provided 652,603 people struck by the socioeconomic impact of COVID 19 with a total of US$4.6 million in cash based transfers  ( CBT ) .
As fighting and insecurity intensified, civilian and humanitarian movements are assessed as risky along roads connecting provincial capital to district centres across the north.
Health partners provides outpatient health services to 10,588 returnees, IDPs, and host community; and 7,752 children were vaccinated for OPV, IPV and measles including OPV vaccination at the Torkham Border.
During the past week, 19,763 patients were served by IOM's mobile health teams, inclusive of 3,158 outpatient consultations, health education sessions for 16,605 persons and psychosocial counselling sessions for 875 patients.
Wheat Flour  ( High Price ) : The average price decreased by 0.5% compared to the fourth week of January, and was still 11% higher than 14 March.The decrease occurred in: Bamyan  ( 11% ) , Zabul  ( 5% ) , Badghis, Nimroz and Daykundi  ( 3% ) .The decrease was due to WFP food aid that some HHs recently received assistance in Bamyan and Daykundi and improved supply in the other three provinces. Meanwhile prices increased in Hilmand  ( 5% ) , Ghor and Urozgan  ( 3% )  and Kandahar  ( 2% )  due to higher transport costs connected to increase in fuel price and decreased supply. The highest prices reported in Nuristan, Kandahar, Hilmand and Urozgan  ( 40, 40, 39 and 39 AFN per kg, respectively )  while the lowest prices were in Hirat, Sari Pul, Bamyan and Badghis  ( 30, 33, 33 and 33 AFN per kg, respectively ) .
Reason for entry to Country of Prior Residence  ( CoPR ) : 77% went to Iran in search of livelihoods opportunities, 14% due to conflict, 4% to visit family/relatives, 2%  ( mainly deportees )  to move to Turkey and onward to Europe, 1% for medical treatment, 1% due to drought, and 1% for other reasons;
In comparison to 2017, the overall number of IDPs increased only slightly in 2018, but decreased by 31% in 2019
This is particularly concerning as household income dropped and debt deepened as a result of the socioeconomic pressures of the pandemic, making it more difficult to cope and recovery farther from reach.
In most rural areas, Stressed  ( IPC Phase 2 )  outcomes are widespread and are expected to persist throughout the projection period. However, in areas that harvested lower amounts and in areas worst affected by conflict, Crisis  ( IPC Phase 3 )  outcomes are likely during the remainder of the lean season. Throughout the country, an increasing number of poor households particularly those with below average stocks or who are adversely affected by lower remittances are expected to deteriorate to Crisis  ( IPC Phase 3 )  as the lean season progresses and stocks are exhausted.
Conflict and potentially drought related displacement are expected to create both shelter and NFI needs in displacement sites.
Urgent front loading of funding is needed to pre empt needs, avert the need for a more complex and prolonged response to displacement and to reduce suffering among an already distressed population.
Afghan Red Crescent Society's COVID 19 response received coordinated support from the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners: IFRC, ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, Kuwait Red Crescent, Qatar Red Crescent, Turkish Red Crescent, Canadian Red Cross, China Red Cross and Singapore Red Cross.
All Pro Government Forces should increase transparency of investigations into civilian casualty incidents and communicate results to civilian victims and their relatives; ensure adequate, effective, and prompt reparations are provided for harm suffered; prioritize implementation of the revised Government system for provision of victim assistance in order to promptly clear the backlog of pending applications andaddress new claims from victims;and consider additional non monetary forms of redress, such as apologies and acknowledgement of harm, to restore trust amongst affected communities.
All Anti Government Elements should cease the use of indirect fire  ( mortars, rockets and grenades )  in populated areas.
Additional paediatricians are needed at Inpatient Departments for Severe Acute Malnutrition  ( IPD SAM )  wards to deal with the COVID 19 outbreak.
In addition to registration and communication material, UNICEF has distributed vaccines, syringes and safety boxes to all 34 provinces. To date, Afghanistan has received 968,000 doses of the vaccine, enabling the vaccination of some 484,000 people.
Improved Seed: The average price rose by 0.2% compared to the fourth week of January . The increase occurred only in: Badghis  ( 6% ) , due to decreased supply resulted from seasonal problems in accessibility. Meanwhile price decreased only in Takhar  ( 1% ) , due to less demand in the lean season. Prices were highest in Ghazni, Wardak, Khost and Daykundi  ( AFN 3,547, 3,547, 2,390 and 2,247 per 50 kg respectively )
Scale up of mobile health teams and health surveillance to deal with the health implications of the likely drought, disease and malnutrition in these locations will be important. This need will increase in the event of displacement.
The populations most at risk are those that: ➢ Depend heavily on the informal economy or are indebted ➢ Occupy areas prone to shocks ➢ Live in high density formal or informal settlements ➢ Have inadequate access to social and health services or political influence ➢ Have limited capacities and opportunities to cope and adapt ➢ Have limited or no access to technologies
The lingering impact of the drought in rural communities, combined with consecutive years of conflict, widespread displacement, annual exposure to flooding and the subsequent interruption to agriculture, have resulted in high levels of hunger and malnutrition.
While the border with Pakistan was officially closed to people movements on 16 March, it is likely that there is also some continued informal movement of people across the border.
The Taliban should strengthen the work of the Commission for the Prevention of Civilian Casualties and Complaints, including the relationship of its leaders with organizations doing work on civiliancasualties and increaseits focus towards preventing civilian casualties, in addition to investigating incidents, including through training for fighters on international humanitarian law.
More than 53,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since 1 January 2021. This is a more than doubling of previous years' trends, which saw 23,000 and 25,000 people return in the first months of 2019 and 2020, respectively.
By the end of September 2020, assistance had been provided to least 8 million people in every district of the country – a huge achievement given the circumstances.
In February, the HAG logged four levy requests, with all of them occurring in the north and northeastern regions. The four incidents highlight the increasing challenge for partners to find exemptions to levy requests. In one incident, trucks contracted to transport humanitarian goods were stopped at a NSAG TB checkpoint and despite the drivers being equipped with a letter issued by NSAG TB supposed to grant free passage, NSAG TB members manning the checkpoint were asking for additional documents. In order to continue their travel, the drivers paid informal taxation.
Additionally, {WHO recommends ]  preventive and control strategies in the animal sector should be implemented including the building of national capacities in animal health, improving skills to address health problems at the animal human environment interface, integrating surveillance of zoonotic diseases, and supporting joint risk assessments, outbreak investigations and control, as well as cross border collaboration and information sharing.
Protection, Gender and Inclusion : Afghan Red Crescent Society reached 35,000. Among them 17,500 were male and 17,500 female.
On average, livestock prices have gradually increased in Afghanistan since the 2018 drought. In January 2021, prices were above average at the national level, mainly due to average to above average precipitation in the 2019/20 wet season which generally supported pasture availability and livestock body conditions
Though labour availability is higher than during the peak of COVID 19 restrictions around May 2020  ( when an average of 1.4 days of work were available per week ) , current levels of around 1.7 days per week are the second lowest recorded since January 2014. Both casual labor wages and availability typically decrease during winter.
The IFRC Afghanistan Country Delegation has setup a technical support platform for Afghan Red Crescent Society  ( ARCS  )  in addressing emergencies and longer terms programmes while supporting ARCS organization development at large. Across the emergency response, IFRC has supported Afghan Red Crescent Society disaster management teams and volunteers for needs assessment, resource mobilization and for the design and implementation of the emergency operation, in close coordination with other Red Cross Red Crescent partners, IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Delegation  ( APRD )  and IFRC Headquarters in Geneva.
As of early November, humanitarian actors had identified more than 15,200 internally displaced persons  ( IDPs )  in Helmand, approximately 3,500 IDPs in Kandahar, and an estimated 10,000 IDPs in Uruzgan in need of humanitarian assistance.
With the support from ECHO, WHO has delivered more than 520,000 PPE  [ personal protective equipment ]  items to frontline NGO workers
The risk to GBV are increasing, and initial data shows that increase in domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices are a critical risk to women and girls.
The security situation in the west remained unstable with reports of fighting and military operation in Hirat, Farah and Ghor provinces.
HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE PLAN  ( HRP )  REQUIREMENTS & FUNDING  1.28B Requirements  ( US$ )  – HRP 2021 37.8M 3% funded  ( US$ )  in 2021
Borrowing: The majority of the respondents are using their social networks and are borrowing money from friends and relatives. One hundred and seventy one respondents  ( 36.8% women and 63.2% men )  said they are borrowing money. Men and women have to borrow money from friends and relatives at least two days per week.
During the reporting period, 1,025 persons with specific needs  ( PSNs )  received cash assistance across 11 provinces to help them cope with the financial impact of COVID 19. Since the start of the crisis, 4,037 people have received this kind of cash assistance.
Additional production of MUAC tape is needed for children and PLW.
Partners note that vulnerable communities' capacity to purchase hygiene kits is limited due to the COVID 19 pandemic which has pushed people further into poverty and limited job opportunities across Takhar province.
According to the 2020 Whole of Afghanistan Multi Sector Needs Assessment, 70 per cent of displaced households reported limited access to soap due to high market prices. At the same time, 45 per cent of displaced households reported lack of access to water for handwashing.
There is a need to maintain and expand nutrition provision via alternate modalities such as MHNTs in remote and hardto reach locations.
13,745 hygiene kits – which include hygiene supplies such as soap for hand washing, bathing and laundry – were distributed during the reporting period, reaching 96,129 people. 214,700 hygiene kits have been distributed since the start of the crisis, reaching 1,307,115 people.106,629 bars of soap were distributed across the country between 11 January and 14 February. Since the start of the response, more than 5.6m bars of soap have been distributed in 379 of the country's 401 districts.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Cluster:  More than 29,500 people at the Islam Qala border crossing, 129,433 people at the Milak crossing and 16,100 people at the Torkham border crossing benefitted from WASH facility maintenance and the provision of water.  3,269 hand washing stations set up at the community level in 358 districts.  739 hand washing stations set up in health facilities across 27 districts.  85 hand washing stations set up in schools across 15 districts.
Health cluster:  IPC training conducted for 4,350 healthcare workers.  3,931 healthcare workers trained in surveillance and risk communication in contested areas.  2,000 beds made available for isolation and intensive care.  Medical equipment provided for 1,642 isolation beds across all 34 provinces.  160 healthcare workers trained in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support  ( MHPSS )
Socio economic impacts: The socio economic impacts of COVID 19 are translating into a dramatic impact on food insecurity. la Nina weather conditions are being closely monitored with grave concerns about low rainfall and high temperatures over recent week which may exacerbate this situation. An estimated 16.9 million people are already in crisis or emergency food insecurity from November to March, 5.5 million of whom are in ‘emergency' level food insecurity  ( IPC 4 ) .
Sleeveless Apron is used mostly by COVID 19 responders  ( 73% )  compared to overall of 34%
12 laboratories are now operational, with the latest one inaugurated in Kunduz. Afghanistan currently has a capacity to carry out 2,000 tests per day. COVID 19 testing is not operating at full capacity due to operational challenges.
The Government of Afghanistan's nationwide lockdown measures remain in place. According to reports, advice is not being followed and enforcement has been lenient
Head/neck cover  Balaclava is quite low at 23% by overall health workers interviewed but is more than double at 55% among the COVID 19 responders
The majority of respondents indicated changes in the health services since the crisis, including the lack of proper medication and limited services due to the lockdown.
In reference to above discussion and evidence, generally the preventive and control measures in the society should not be lifted at once because only 31.5% of the population have had current or past infection and the majority of the population have not achieved the necessary level of immunity against the disease.
As of 10th August 2020, Afghanistan has reported 37,162 positive cases and with 1,328 deaths.
Only 28% of the health workers mentioned of their confidence of using PPE kits would reduce their exposure and risk of getting infected to COVID 19. High among men with 32% and low among women  ( 23% )
Disasters brought on by natural hazards affecting around 250,000 people a year, causing many to flee their homes, including some already displaced by conflict and violence in Afghanistan.
More than 3.7 million children were out of school in Afghanistan, even prior to the pandemic. While some of these children have acute humanitarian needs, the majority have chronic issues that are hindering their ability to access education.
Casual labor opportunities inside the uruzgan province are already limited due to ongoing armed conflict.
100% of women have learnt from other prisoners in the cell, where as it is about 73% among men
Paying for healthcare is the second most significant reason that households take on debt