The Whole of Afghanistan Assessment (WoAA) 2022, shows that Shelter needs remain acute with a staggering 79% of all households in need of shelter repair; while 79% of households are using inadequate heating sources for winter; and some 62% require basic household items.  The earthquakes in Khost and Paktika Provinces in June 2022 that impacted shelter needs is still pending for more than 20,000 people that have remained unreachable due to shortage of fund.

Shelter repairs/Upgrade: The improved security situation resulted in those who were displaced primarily by conflict are willing to return. However, it has put strain on places of origin due to shelter damage and insufficient services. Many of those returning came back to communities devastated by conflict and prolonged vulnerability of loss of remittances, loss of livelihood opportunities and loss of family support networks in places of origin all have added to returnees’ vulnerability. Considering the high cost of shelter repairs, and the negative net income of households, reconstruction comes at a high cost that many cannot afford. Most Afghan household are unable to sustain any major impact that severely damage or destroy their shelter, many must make choices between meeting basic needs or repairing their shelters.

Winterization: Each year, freezing winter temperatures, especially in high altitude locations drive the need for provision of life saving winter assistance for most affected persons whose shelters do not protect against the cold and who do not have the financial capability to purchase fuel and heaters to supplement their heating requirements. The lack of warm clothing, insulation, and heating heightens the risk of respiratory infections, hypothermia and preventable mortality among children and the elderly. The Whole of Afghanistan Assessment (WoAA) 2022 findings indicate winterization needs were widespread; 79% of households reported reliance on inadequate heating sources and 45% of households reported having no access to sufficient blankets for the forthcoming winter season. Economic decline, price increases, and rising poverty means the need will remain high and the trend of households requiring assistance to cope with the winter season will continue into next year.