US sending $266.5 mn in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response

Women walk through a road in Ghazni

The United States announced Friday more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its Covid-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country. ‘As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear,’ top US diplomat Antony Blinken said. ‘We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve.’ The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for ‘protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans,’ including at-risk women and girls.