A Day in the Life of Medair’s staff in Afghanistan

I am Zabi, a Communications Officer for Medair, an international humanitarian aid organization. Medair started its activities in Afghanistan in 1996, just seven years after its establishment in 1989, and continues its humanitarian efforts in the country to this day. Our mission is to reach isolated and hard-to-reach communities in need. As a communications professional, I aim to highlight the struggles and resilience of those we serve, as well as the impact of humanitarian efforts—a role that brings me immense joy. Join me as I share a day in my life working with a humanitarian aid organization in Afghanistan.

8:00

Today, I am at a Medair subbase in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan, preparing to join our Medair field staff for a humanitarian cash-for-food distribution. I start my day by reviewing my to-do list and planning my activities. After addressing some urgent messages and emails, I check my equipment to ensure that everything is functioning properly and ready for use.

8:30

Along with Medair’s field team, I begin the journey to an isolated and hard-to-reach village in the Central Highlands. This community is severely affected by climate change, prolonged drought and entrenched poverty resulting from years of conflict. We traverse bumpy and dangerous terrain as we make our way there.

10:00

After one-and-a half hour ride, we finally reach the village, and the team begins the distribution. At the cash-for-food distribution site, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the community's most vulnerable members. They shared their stories of struggle and resilience, and it is heartwarming to see how the assistance they receive ignites a glimmer of hope in their hearts. For more stories from Afghanistan, click here.

15:00

Once the distribution is complete, we pack up our equipment and begin the journey back to the subbase.

16:30

Back at the subbase, I organize my notes, footage, and photos, communicate with my team back at the support office, and draft my plan for the following day.

‍

‍

Working with Medair has taught me that in moments of great need and when communities in Afghanistan extend their hands for help, it is the humanitarian community that reach back. I am deeply grateful to Medair’s supporters and donors, whose generosity enables Medair to continue its humanitarian efforts.

‍

Medair’s country programs are funded by generous institutional donors and private donors. 

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed are solely those of Medair and do not reflect the official opinion of any other organization.  

‍