UN and aid agencies are responding to the needs of hundreds of communities and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The condition of the IDPs in the west and north of the country is very poor and deaths due to starvation were reported by the World Food Program.

The drought is effecting communities across the country with more than three million Afghans severely effected and in need of assistance specially during the harsh winter months.

ACT members, Church World Service (CWS) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) - Pakistan/Afghanistan Programs have been providing much needed assistance to the most vulnerable families affected by the severe drought (ref. ACT Appeal Afghanistan: Emergency Drought Relief - ASAF01 issued on 17 May, '00, which unfortunately is only 46% funded till date).

With the limited support received from the ACT network, CWS has assisted 1500 families with food for work, improving their access to clean drinking water and improving health and sanitation.

As the harsh Afghan winter approaches, CWS, in association with Cooperation Center for Afghanistan and Norwegian Project Office plans to assist 5000 most vulnerable families in Kabul, Hazarajat and Northern Afghanistan. These families, comprising female headed house holds, ethnic/religious minorities and internally displaced persons belong to the marginalized communities and thus also the worst affected by the drought.

To help save and sustain lives, CWS proposes to assist these families with the following winter package:

• Three months food rations
• Three month heating oil supplies (150 liters)
• Shelter kit (blankets, plastic sheeting and ground sheeting)