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Restoring Dignity Through Cash Assistance in Nimroz

At the Milak (Zero Point) border in Nimroz province in Afghanistan, Afghan families returning after being forcibly displaced from neighbouring Iran often arrive with hardly any belongings, shelter, or income. Through an unconditional cash assistance intervention supported by UNFPA, HealthNet TPO provided 1,000 vulnerable returnees with immediate financial support at the moment of return, enabling them to meet urgent needs with dignity.

A personal story from the border

When Fariha crossed the Milak (Zero Point) border into Afghanistan with her infant, she received free medical services and basic medicines. However, her child’s condition required specialised treatment that was not available through the standard services at the border.

With AFN 10,000 (€134) in cash assistance, Fariha was able to cover transportation and consultations with specialist doctors, as well as purchase the medicines and supplies her baby urgently needed. This support made a critical difference: her child’s health showed visible improvement, easing both the medical burden and emotional distress for the family.

Without this cash aid, I could have not taken my baby to a specialist doctor. You protected my child’s life.

For many Afghan women returning after long and exhausting journeys, the ability to make immediate decisions like these can be critical, especially when arriving with no belongings, shelter, or income.

A critical point of return

Nimroz province, in south-western Afghanistan, borders Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province and serves as a major entry point for Afghans forcibly returning from neighboring Iran. Since early 2025, large numbers of Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan from both Iran and Pakistan.

According to the latest UN monitoring reports, in 2025 over 2.1 million Afghans have returned from the two countries combined, with the majority coming from Iran and a significant portion from Pakistan. Daily arrivals remain high at major border crossings, including Milak, Islam Qala, Torkham, and Spin Boldak.

These forced return have placed increasing pressure on Afghanistan’s already stretched social and economic systems, particularly in border provinces where services remain limited.

Responding exactly when it matters

In response to these needs, HealthNet TPO, with financial support from UNFPA, implemented an unconditional cash assistance intervention directly at the Milak border Zero Point in Nimroz.

Between 09 October 2025 and 08 December 2025, 1,000 of the most vulnerable returning women each received AFN 10,000 (€134) in direct cash assistance. Delivered at the point of entry to the country, the assistance enabled families to meet urgent needs such as food, temporary shelter, medical care, and onward transportation, allowing them to prioritise what mattered most at a critical moment.

Prioritising the most vulnerable

The intervention prioritised vulnerable women based on specific criteria, including women-headed households, pregnant women, lactating mothers, persons with disabilities, and families in need of protection-oriented support. Nearly half of the assisted households included women who were also heads of their families, highlighting the responsibilities carried by women returning with dependents and no stable livelihoods.

For Jamila, a woman heading her household, the cash assistance made it possible to rent a small room and buy food for her children during their first days back in Afghanistan. Samira, a lactating mother, spent part of the cash on nutritious food for herself and her baby, while planning to buy a sewing machine as a step toward self-reliance. She explained that having cash in hand allowed her to make choices that best suited her family’s immediate needs, instead of relying on debt or charity.

It felt like a miracle. This support gave me relief and hope.

Post-distribution monitoring confirmed that beneficiaries primarily used the assistance to purchase food, secure temporary accommodation, cover transportation costs, and access health services. For many households, this timely support helped prevent harmful coping strategies such as skipping meals, borrowing money, or selling essential belongings.

Accountability and dignity at the border

To ensure transparency and accountability, HealthNet TPO applied a two-step verification process. Returnee status and identity were initially screened by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), followed by technical verification conducted by HealthNet TPO teams at the service delivery point. This coordination ensured that assistance reached eligible families quickly and fairly.

Reflecting on the intervention, Dr. Barakatullah Sadaf, HealthNet TPO’s Provincial Senior Technical Officer for Nimroz province, noted:

This cash assistance allowed families to meet their most urgent needs while being treated with dignity and fairness.

As return movements from Iran and Pakistan continue, sustained support at border points remains essential for families working to rebuild their lives in Afghanistan.

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