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Millions of Afghan Children at Risk of Death
16 Jan
Summary
- Four million Afghan children are at risk of dying from malnutrition this year.
- Malnutrition cases have steadily increased over the past five years in Afghanistan.
- International aid cuts and drought have worsened the crisis since 2021.
Afghanistan is confronting a severe malnutrition crisis, with approximately four million children projected to require treatment this year. The number of malnutrition cases has seen a consistent rise over the last five years, painting a grim picture for the nation's vulnerable population. Families are facing immense hardship, struggling to access adequate food and medical facilities.
The situation has been exacerbated by significant cuts to international aid and prolonged drought conditions, particularly since the Taliban regained power in 2021. These factors, combined with economic fallout and displacement, have pushed many low-income families to the brink. The World Food Programme is urgently seeking substantial funding to address the escalating humanitarian emergency.
Medical centers treating malnutrition are scarce, forcing families to travel long distances for critical care. While some children receive life-saving treatment and nutritional support, many arrive at facilities in advanced stages of illness. Efforts to advise mothers on breastfeeding and provide psychological support are underway, but the scale of the crisis demands urgent global attention and resources.
