The European Union has pledged 25 million euro through the World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen livelihoods and improve nutrition in Afghanistan.
The WFP stated that the funding aims to increase community resilience, enhance nutrition for women and children, and create opportunities for young people.
“The European Union’s new contribution to WFP demonstrates our continued commitment to the Afghan people, notably women, children, and vulnerable local communities,” said Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, EU Chargée d’affaires in Afghanistan. “Agriculture and food value chains must be equipped to bolster Afghans’ nutrition, health, and economic resilience. Through our integrated approach to climate resilience, we are also helping vulnerable rural communities protect their livelihoods and income against natural disasters and long-term devastating impacts of climate change.”
John Aylieff, WFP Representative and Country Director in Afghanistan also added: “We are grateful to the European Union for this strategic investment. It is designed to deliver a triple return: stronger livelihoods and resilience, more robust local food systems, and expanded opportunities for women and youth.”
The announcement comes amid a sharp decline in international aid to Afghanistan.
Tom Fletcher, UN deputy secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, wanted at a UN Security Council meeting that 1.7 million children are at risk of death due to lack of aid. He noted that for the first time in four years, the number of people facing hunger has increased, reaching 17.4 million.
