In line with SDC’s Medium Term Strategy for Afghanistan 2008-2011, Switzerland’s Humanitarian Aid Program 2008 is focussed on two multilateral contributions – to the ICRC and the UNHCR, respectively. These contributions take into consideration the ongoing needs for accompanied return and for protection of people at risk. The overall budget 2008 for Humanitarian Aid is of 2,5 million CHF (2,1 million USD).

Drought and flood response: Improve the food security of vulnerable rural households in selected areas of Afghanistan affected by the recent drought and floods through provision of improved wheat seed and fertilizers for the autumn 2007 and spring 2008 planting seasons. The projects are administered by FAO, and implemented by national NGOs in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. The projects will come to an end by mid 2008.

Green Afghanistan Initiative GAIN (administered by WFP): Through its small action program, SDC made a contribution to reforestation in selected villages in Bamian province. The program ends by mid 2008.

Support in the water and sanitation sector: In cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development MRRD as well as selected NGOs, SDC supports a water and sanitation program in two districts of Samangan and Takhar provinces –  thus connecting SDC's Livelihood intervention with basic social infrastructure. This program will come to an end by mid 2008.

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Switzerland’s Humanitarian Aid Program had its peak in 2002 with a budget of CHF 17 million, in 2005 the contribution was still at CHF 12 million. Besides the programme lines mentioned above, Switzerland at that time actively supported the rehabilitation of the primary health care system through contributions to several NGOs,  the integration of handicapped people (through the NGO Handicap International) and of returnees (legal aid by the Norwegian Refugee Council), as well as the provision of water and sanitation in drought affected areas in South. Moreover, activities of WFP were supported by SDC’s multilateral program.

For the years 2009 to 2011, SDC’s Humanitarian Aid Program concentrates on contributions to ICRC and UNHCR and the annual budget is of 2,0 million CHF. The Medium Term Strategy allows flexibility in case of a major disaster (natural or man-made) in terms of additional emergency assistance.