BRAC Afghanistan (Bangladesh)

Bordered by Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, Afghanistan lies at the crossroads of central Asia. This location has proven volatile, as the country has faced more than two decades of foreign occupation, internal conflict, and political instability. Ten years of Soviet occupation was overthrown in 1989, followed swiftly by a decade of armed conflict among various internal factions. As a result of these successive waves of violence and destruction, Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an average life expectancy of 46 years and an infant mortality rate of 142.5/1000 live births. The years of war have reduced the country's economic potential significantly, and the population of Afghanistan has suffered from lack of access to proper nutrition, education or social programs. Despite these challenges, the newly elected Islamic State of Afghanistan has been making impressive strides in setting the country back on track. In its efforts to eradicate poverty and exploitation around the world, BRAC felt a strong commitment to assist in the rebuilding and development efforts of this extraordinary country. Given its history as a relief organization and its expertise in developing responsive individualised programs for sustainable development, BRAC has a proven track record of expertise in rebuilding a war-ravaged country and assisting in the transition between rehabilitation efforts and long-term development.