KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has received a $7 million contribution from the Government of Japan to provide emergency food assistance, combat malnutrition, and support school feeding programs in Afghanistan.
The funding will enable WFP to assist nearly 30,000 families—over 200,000 people—for three months, while more than 60,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children will receive specialized nutrition support. 30,000 schoolchildren will also benefit from daily school snacks aimed at improving concentration and learning.
“Thanks to humanitarian assistance and better harvests, we’ve seen significant improvements in overall food security,” said Takayoshi Kuromiya, Japan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan. “However, 15 million Afghans still do not know where their next meal will come from.”
The aid comes at a crucial time, as many Afghan families continue to struggle with food shortages and extreme winter hardships. With few work opportunities, families have been forced to make difficult choices between heating their homes and feeding their children.
“As economic opportunities remain out of reach for many, especially women, families across Afghanistan are also having to endure a harsh winter,” said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP’s acting country director in Afghanistan. “WFP is committed to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly women-headed households.”
Japan has been a key donor to WFP’s operations in Afghanistan, contributing $93 million since 2021 to help food-insecure families across the country.
