Post by : Saif Rahman

Afghanistan is grappling with one of its gravest hunger crises in decades as international aid continues to plummet, warns the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). With winter approaching, millions, particularly children, are at heightened risk due to dwindling food support.

The WFP highlighted that it cannot initiate a large-scale winter relief operation for the first time in years due to insufficient funds. This shortage means that those most in need won't receive adequate food and nutritional aid, leading to an anticipated increase in hunger-related fatalities, especially among young ones.

Since foreign troops withdrew in 2021, Afghanistan's humanitarian situation has spiraled downwards with a reduction in international assistance that has left families struggling. Recurrent natural disasters, like earthquakes, have compounded the crisis by devastating homes, crops, and livelihoods.

Currently, around 17 million Afghans are enduring hunger, an increase of approximately three million from last year. This surge is partially due to the repatriation of many Afghans from Iran and Pakistan, which have implemented stricter repatriation policies. Humanitarian groups emphasize that Afghanistan lacks the infrastructure and resources to accommodate such a rapid influx of returnees.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with child malnutrition reaching alarming levels. The WFP reports that approximately 3.7 million Afghan children are acutely malnourished, with one million facing severe conditions. This severe malnutrition weakens resilience and can quickly endanger life without timely intervention.

Access to treatment is diminishing as funding for health and nutritional initiatives contracts. Clinics that previously offered food supplements and medical assistance struggle to operate, and families in remote areas often have to travel significant distances for help, which many cannot afford.

The perils increase as winter sets in, with food shortages peaking during this season and freezing temperatures escalating health risks, particularly for children. The WFP warns that without immediate intervention, many children may not survive the challenging months ahead.

To assist six million of the most vulnerable Afghans, the agency estimates a need for over $460 million. Yet, current funding is merely at 12 percent of the required amount. UN officials stress that this funding shortfall poses a critical threat to lives.

The worsening hunger crisis in Afghanistan underscores the tragic consequences of diminished global support. Aid organizations urgently appeal to donors for prompt action, cautioning that without immediate funding, suffering will worsen, and many lives—especially those of children—will be lost.

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