The project development objective (PDO) for the Additional Financing is to increase the utilization and quality of essential health and nutrition services in Afghanistan. The words “and nutrition” have been added to reflect both the enhanced focus on promoting nutritional outcomes among vulnerable pregnant women and mothers of young children.
The project consists of three components (i) Urgent Provision of Essential Primary and Secondary Healthcare (UNICEF); (ii) Strengthening Service Delivery and Project Coordination (UNICEF); and, (iii) Strengthening Demand and Access to Enhance Nutritional Outcomes Among the Most Vulnerable (WFP).
In line with the World Bank ESF as well as relevant national laws, each agency’s respective ES policies, UNICEF and WFP have revised this ESMF which was prepared under the parent Afghanistan Health Emergency Response Project (P178775). These revisions include the proposed changes to the scope of the project including the new component 3 on the Maternal and Child Benefit Program. The updated ESMF further builds on the lessons learned from the parent project to ensure the effective management of E&S risks.
The objectives of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) are to:
- Provide a framework for environmental and social (E&S) risk and impact management of the project;
- Provide clear procedures and methodologies for environmental and social risk screening and monitoring of environmental and social mitigation measures to be financed under the Project;
- Describe the appropriate roles and responsibilities of UNICEF, WFP, SPs, CPs, and other stakeholders;
- Outline the reporting procedures on E&S mitigation measures; and,
- Promote positive environmental and social outcomes.
World Food Programme, UNICEF and the World Bank (2024). Additional Financing for the Health Emergency Response Project Afghanistan (HER AF) Environmental and Social Management Framework, Kabul, Afghanistan.
