KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The United Nations has reported that more than 500,000 children in Afghanistan are at risk of malnutrition this year.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, January 15, the UN highlighted that limited access to food, combined with extreme climate conditions, have severely limited the ability of Afghan families to feed their children.
The UN also noted that the World Food Programme (WFP) is actively working to address the crisis, offering support to millions, including providing school meals to children.
Malnutrition has long been a pressing public health issue in Afghanistan, driven by a combination of factors such as prolonged drought, natural disasters, displacement, food insecurity, and widespread unemployment.
The Taliban’s return to power has exacerbated the situation, contributing to economic collapse, a worsening humanitarian crisis, and a decline in international aid. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), around four million children, infants, and breastfeeding mothers suffered from malnutrition in the country last year.
In September, health sources confirmed that at least 700 children died from malnutrition and seasonal diseases in eastern Nangarhar province over a six-month period.
The overall humanitarian situation has deteriorated in recent years. The UN estimates that in 2025, nearly 23 million people, more than half of Afghanistan’s population, will require humanitarian assistance. Of this, 14.8 million will face acute food insecurity, and 7.8 million women and children will require nutrition support.
To address this, the UN has launched a $2.42 billion appeal for Afghanistan for 2025, aiming to provide assistance to 16.8 million people identified as priorities.
