In the east of Kabul, nestled between the harsh realities of conflict and displacement, lies Botkhak – an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp that is home to over 10,000 people, the majority of whom have fled the turmoil caused by 4 decades of war. Once farmers and pastoralists, this community now finds themselves crammed into tiny, makeshift shelters made from hay and mud.

These homes offer little protection from the biting cold, lacking proper doors, windows, and essential utilities. As winter descends, temperatures can plummet to a staggering -25°C, forcing residents to burn whatever they can put their hands on, from plastic to any flammable garbage, just to stay warm.

Even surrounded by these dire conditions, hope persists.

Islamic Relief runs a health clinic within the camp, striving to meet the people’s urgent medical needs. The small clinic, formed from a shipping container and a mud house donated by the community, offers primary healthcare services, psychosocial counselling, and referrals of severe cases to specialised medical facilities in the city.

A life filled with challenges

Morsal, a 9-year-old girl and the youngest of 8 siblings from the Botkhak IDP camp in Kabul, has shown us the true meaning of resilience. Born with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), her life was filled with challenges as she copes with struggling to breathe, high fevers and dealing with frequent colds.