In the remote village of Shor Aba, Taluqan district of Takhar province, Afghanistan, life took a dramatic turn for 34-year-old farmer Nawrooz and his family of seven. Following devastating flash floods on May 10, Nawrooz’s village was left in ruins, with damaged homes, broken bridges, and destroyed orchards. The community faced serious challenges, lacking access to sanitation and grappling with limited knowledge about health and hygiene.

Amid these hardships, DACAAR, with funding from the EU (European Union) https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/, launched the “EU_Humanitarian WASH for vulnerable, remote and underserved communities in Afghanistan” project with the activation of a flexible mechanism, Crisis Modifier, to bring crucial support to families like Nawrooz's. Over a two-month period, DACAAR constructed emergency bathing facilities, distributed hygiene kits, and held hygiene awareness sessions. These efforts didn’t just address immediate needs; they empowered the villagers with the knowledge to protect their health and well-being.

Reflecting on the impact, Nawrooz shared, "After receiving the hygiene messages, the villagers paid more attention to cleanliness, resulting in a reduction of waterborne diseases." Today, Shor Aba is officially an open defecation-free area, and residents maintain a clean environment.

Grateful for DACAAR’s support; the villagers have suggested continued efforts, including agricultural and vocational projects, which could further enhance their resilience.

Written by: Israrullah Sahil