In February 2008, FOCUS conducted an assessment to determine the level of food insecurity and affects of the severe winter conditions in communities in the Shikai district of Badakhshan.
Due to the cold weather and frequent onset of avalanches, the FOCUS team were unable to access all the border villages but were able to meet village representatives in nearby locations. A detailed assessment by FOCUS resulted in a collaborative distribution effort of food and medicines by the Badakhshan Governor's Office, the United Nations World Food Programme and other regional aid agencies.