KABUL, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's government has distributed 12.6 billion afghanis (about 196.8 million U.S. dollars) in cash assistance to vulnerable groups over the past year, the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the financial aid was provided to widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities across the country. The payments were transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The ministry added that, in coordination with charitable organizations, food and non-food assistance worth 9.791 million U.S. dollars was also delivered to needy families during the same period.

The support is part of ongoing efforts to assist those most affected by economic challenges in Afghanistan.