By Zuhra Shafiq | Program Director
This report outlines the activities, outcomes, challenges, and recommendations from the emergency medical response team deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, following the earthquake on 31st August 2025. The project aimed to provide immediate medical care, assess ongoing health risks, and coordinate with local partners to address the urgent needs of the affected population.
On 31 August 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Kunar Province, Afghanistan resulting in more than 2,200 deaths, over 3,600 injured and the destruction of over 6,700 homes (source: UNDP).
Preliminary reports indicated widespread destruction of houses, public infrastructure, critical services, and lack of ability of local set-ups to cope with the circumstances. Families were left exposed to the harsh conditions in the remote mountainous regions affected, with damaged infrastructure hampering aid delivery to many. The situation was exacerbated by the local health facilities’ being partially affected, and at some cases lack of capacity to cope with a sudden surge in medical needs, with small clinics overwhelmed with trauma cases.
The preliminary reports on the first week of September indicated:
Providing emergency medical services to earthquake victims was a priority. In addition, and as a consequence of a sudden increased need for medical care, support was also required for a wider range of healthcare provision in the region. This included maternal and child health services, provision of immediate primary health services, physical rehabilitation services, provision of emergency medical kits and supplies including emergency related medical supply, transportation and referral of injured individuals to reach health centers or higher-level care, integrated multi-sectoral response for WASH, response to outbreaks (i.e. ARI, measles, tetanus, CCHF and AWD) and the treatment of chronic conditions which need ongoing care. Psychological support for survivors of the earthquake was also identified as a critical need.
Crowded temporary shelters, poor water and sanitation, and the coming winter season increased the risk of diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Therefore, activities to prevent the outbreak of communicable illnesses were also necessary.
Between 10 and 28 September 2025, a Mobile Health Team (MHT) was deployed from Kabul to the most affected districts of Kunar Province, including Asadabad, Watapur, and Nurgal. The team consisted of 11 health professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists, and a pharmacist) and established a mobile health clinic with two service delivery points, including separate tents for female reproductive health services and for male patients and children. In close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, the Provincial Public Health Office, health cluster partners, local authorities, and community leaders, daily coordination meetings were held to ensure effective communication and smooth service delivery. The team was fully supplied with essential medicines and medical supplies and provided an average of 66 consultations per day over 17 days.
A total of 1,129 patients were treated, including 577 women, 349 men, and 203 children. The most common conditions managed were trauma and fractures (28%), respiratory infections (22%), diarrheal diseases (15%), wound infections (14%), and psychological distress (11%). Preventive and promotive services were also prioritized during the emergency response, with 183 children vaccinated against measles, tetanus, and polio, and 25 health education sessions conducted on hygiene and sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Additionally, three mental health counselors provided Psychological First Aid, offering one-on-one counseling to 89 individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.
Complementary humanitarian assistance supported affected families’ basic needs. A total of 280 families received food packs; due to sharp increases in food prices and road closures, 20 kg bags of macaroni were distributed instead of rice or wheat to ensure continued food access. Furthermore, 150 children aged 4–15 years received pairs of clothing, totaling 250 clothing sets distributed. Overall, the intervention improved access to emergency healthcare for an estimated population of 13,000 affected individuals, reduced health risks and complications from untreated conditions, strengthened maternal and child health outcomes, enhanced psychosocial well-being, and increased community resilience through health awareness and disease prevention activities.
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