Japan has committed $1.65mn to fund humanitarian projects aimed at improving healthcare and reproductive rights for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Yemen. The pledge, announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), is set to enhance maternal and child healthcare and provide crucial support to regions most affected by crises.
The funding will be directed toward Logar and Parwan provinces in Afghanistan, where local communities have endured severe challenges. The support will expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, medical care, and information on gender-based violence.
IPPF emphasizes that this aid is pivotal in addressing the critical health needs of marginalized groups, especially women and children, in these regions.
Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of IPPF, expressed confidence that the funds would be effectively managed by local member associations to address the diverse challenges each country faces.
“By doing so, we contribute to human security, enabling people to live with dignity, free from disease and fear of violence,” Bermejo said.
In addition to the immediate support, IPPF plans to extend healthcare services to 83,595 individuals and train 222 healthcare providers and peer educators in Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Yemen by February 2026.
Earlier, a report from ACAPS warned that any reduction or halt in humanitarian operations in Afghanistan could worsen the country’s ongoing crisis. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump's January 20 executive order suspending U.S.-funded foreign aid, including humanitarian assistance, for 90 days. Additionally, Trump's call for the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has raised concerns about the future of critical aid efforts.
It was also noted that 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Afghanistan requires $2.42bn to assist 16.8mn people, but as of February 3, only 12% ($279.5mn) has been funded. The U.S. plays a significant role in sustaining these operations, and funding cuts could have severe consequences. The report highlights that a reduction in aid could lead to the loss of vital sexual and reproductive health services, potentially causing over 1,000 additional maternal deaths between 2025 and 2028.
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