Escalating Food Insecurity in Afghanistan as Winter Approaches
Afghanistan is grappling with a worsening food crisis this winter, with over 17 million people facing acute food insecurity. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) highlights alarming new figures indicating a dramatic increase in hunger and malnutrition across the nation.
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- 17 million Afghans are currently dealing with food insecurity.
- This represents a rise of three million from last year’s figures.
- Child malnutrition is expected to affect nearly four million children in the coming year.
Children at Risk: Malnutrition Rates Soar
The impending winter poses a grave threat as child malnutrition rates are projected to rise dramatically. With current conditions already dire, urgent interventions are needed to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
- Malnutrition is currently at its highest level in decades.
- Without treatment, malnutrition could become life-threatening for children.
- Child deaths could increase during the harsh winter months.
The Perfect Storm: Multiple Crises Converge
Afghanistan faces a multi-faceted crisis marked by drought, economic hardship, and increasing homelessness due to natural disasters. These factors combine to amplify humanitarian needs across the country.
- Drought has devastated crops, affecting food availability.
- Job losses are further eroding incomes and diminishing livelihoods.
- Recent earthquakes have left families without shelter.
Continued Forced Returns Heighten Insecurity
In addition to existing crises, the forced return of Afghans from neighboring countries exacerbates the dire situation, with many returning malnourished and destitute.
- 2.5 million Afghans have returned to the country since the beginning of the year.
- This trend is expected to continue with nearly as many returns projected for 2026.
- These returns increase the strain on already limited resources.
Humanitarian Aid: A Shrinking Lifeline
As the crisis intensifies, humanitarian aid has declined sharply, leaving millions in desperate need of support that has previously helped mitigate severe hunger and malnutrition.
- Historical support for hunger and malnutrition in Afghanistan is diminishing.
- WFP emphasizes the need to bring attention back to Afghanistan’s crisis.
- There is a call for proven solutions to foster recovery, dignity, and prosperity.
Urgent Funding Needed for Life-Saving Assistance
The WFP urgently requires $468 million to deliver essential food assistance to the most vulnerable populations this winter. Addressing these needs is critical to preventing further deterioration of the situation.
- The funding will help six million vulnerable Afghans survive the winter.
- Immediate support is essential for scaling up emergency and nutrition efforts nationwide.
- WFP expresses readiness to carry out a significant winter response with adequate funding.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Attention
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan demands immediate global awareness and action. As families brace for a harsh winter, support is vital to ensure their survival and foster hope for recovery.
- WFP highlights the need for renewed media attention on Afghanistan.
- The organization continues to advocate for increased humanitarian assistance.
- Follow WFP on social media for updates and information.
Note to the editor: High-resolution photos and broadcast quality footage are available upon request. For the latest IPC reports on acute food insecurity and malnutrition, links can be provided.
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @WFP_Afghanistan
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
