In the quiet heart of Kunduz province, in the small village of Khairabad, Imam Sahib district, life used to be a daily struggle against invisible enemies: disease, unsafe drinking water, and lack of basic sanitation. For Mullah Qambar, a 74-year-old shopkeeper and respected village representative, these were more than just problems; they were threats to his family’s survival and his community’s future.

Before the intervention, Khairabad's only hand-pump well had broken down. Families, including Mullah Qambar's with 14 members, were forced to rely on contaminated sources, leading to a surge in illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. “We were constantly spending our hard-earned money on medical treatment," he recalled. "Our children were always sick, and we lived in fear."

Change arrived through the project "Ensuring Access to Quality WASH for Drought-Affected Vulnerable Communities in Kunduz province," supported by UNOCHA-AHF and implemented by DACAAR from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. Under this project, the broken well was repaired, and vital hygiene education was introduced to the villagers.

The impact was immediate and profound. With access to clean water and essential health messages, the open defecation that once polluted their environment was greatly reduced. Diseases that had once been rampant began to decline significantly. Mullah Qambar beamed with pride as he described the transformation:

“After receiving hygiene messages and repairing the hand pump, the people of our village, especially our children, became much more attentive to personal and environmental hygiene. We now ensure our food is protected, our water is clean, and our hands are always washed."

The project didn't just heal bodies, it rekindled hope. Mullah Qambar spoke about the changes not just as improvements, but as a rebirth of his community’s spirit. Where once the elderly despaired and parents wept over their sick children, today there is laughter, learning, and a deepened commitment to health.

However, this resilient leader knows the journey is not yet complete. He passionately advocates for the construction of a local clinic and school, recognizing that true progress must continue.

“We dream of a day when our children can study in a proper school and when a nearby clinic will mean no more long, painful journeys for medical help.”

Mullah Qambar and the residents of Khairabad have shown that when even the smallest communities are given support and knowledge, they can rise from hardship into health and dignity. Their story is not just one of clean water—it’s one of resilience, transformation, and hope.

Written by: Israrullah Sahil