Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, emphasising aid in health, education, and food security as the nation grapples with widespread poverty and economic hardship.
Qatar humanitarian Aid Afghanistan
Doha has continued to underscore its role in delivering Qatar humanitarian aid Afghanistan through partnerships with international organisations. Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali Al-Misnad, met with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), to discuss food security challenges in vulnerable regions, including Afghanistan. The meeting focused on joint action and innovative approaches to ensure aid reaches those in need.
The discussion highlighted Qatar support Afghanistan poverty by addressing ongoing food insecurity and broader humanitarian needs. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the engagement emphasised sustained cooperation to support the Afghan people amid persistent economic difficulties.
In a related context, Al-Misnad previously met with the Deputy Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), reiterating Qatar’s commitment to aiding Afghans in health, education, and economic empowerment. She called for continued international cooperation to deliver essential services.
Qatar aid Afghan people in Practice
Qatar has demonstrated Qatar Afghanistan humanitarian support through concrete actions. In September 2025, following directives from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar operated an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid after an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. Five Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft arrived in Kabul carrying aid provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), including fully equipped field hospitals, medical and surgical supplies, shelter tents, and hygiene kits. This batch totalled 97.7 tons, benefiting nearly 11,000 people, and formed part of a larger effort with nine aircraft delivering 158.7 tons overall.
Additional deliveries included essential medicines, intravenous fluids, and vital supplies to strengthen healthcare responses. Qatar’s efforts targeted immediate relief for affected communities facing displacement and hardship.
Economic analysts in Afghanistan have welcomed such assistance. Abdul Shakoor Hadawal stated: “We call on Qatar, as well as other countries and organizations, to continue cooperating with Afghanistan and providing humanitarian assistance as they have in the past, because Afghanistan is a country in need.”
Personal accounts illustrate the urgency. An 80-year-old street vendor in Kabul, Zaher, the sole breadwinner for a family of seven, described buying raw soup for 300 Afghanis to leave a small amount for his children to avoid starvation. A deported migrant returnee reported earning less than 100 Afghanis after months back, highlighting the lack of opportunities and mercy in daily struggles.
Qatar Afghanistan humanitarian support Amid Broader Crisis
Afghanistan continues to face severe humanitarian challenges. More than half the population required urgent aid in 2024, with food insecurity affecting millions. Qatar humanitarian aid Afghanistan aligns with efforts to mitigate poverty, unemployment, and the impacts of sanctions, frozen assets, and returning refugees.
Qatar has positioned itself as a key partner, facilitating dialogue and logistical support for UN operations. In January 2026, Al-Misnad met with the UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, Indrika Ratwatte, to review cooperation and explore ways to enhance joint initiatives for humanitarian and development needs. She reaffirmed Qatar’s role as a platform for dialogue and a logistical, political, and humanitarian partner, stressing sustained international engagement for emergency assistance in health, education, and economic sectors.
Background
Qatar’s involvement in Qatar support Afghanistan poverty builds on longstanding ties, including facilitation of evacuations and aid since 2021. The Qatar Fund for Development has channelled resources through UN partners like WFP for food security and other sectors. These efforts occur against Afghanistan’s ongoing economic crisis, where aid reductions have closed health facilities and worsened malnutrition, disproportionately affecting women and girls.
What’s Next in Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan
Qatar is expected to maintain Qatar aid Afghan people through ongoing partnerships and potential further deliveries. International cooperation remains essential to address food insecurity, rebuild institutions, and support vulnerable groups. Sustained Qatar Afghanistan humanitarian support could help alleviate immediate suffering and contribute to longer-term stability in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 11th, 2026
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