Child Malnutrition Crisis in Afghanistan Worsens Amid Aid Cuts
Afghanistan faces a severe child malnutrition crisis, with almost 10 million people experiencing acute food insecurity. The World Food Program requires USD 539 million to assist vulnerable families, as aid cuts and mass returns exacerbate the situation. Climate change further impacts rural populations and the economy.
- Country:
- Pakistan
Afghanistan is in the grip of an unprecedented spike in child malnutrition, the World Food Program revealed on Monday. The organization emphasized the urgent need for USD 539 million to support the nation's most vulnerable families, with nearly 10 million people now facing acute food insecurity.
Contributing to the grim situation, the recent reduction in emergency food aid, primarily due to waning donor funds, has severely impacted those in need. Notably, in April, the administration of former US President Donald Trump ceased food aid to Afghanistan, once a top recipient due to its strategic importance in alleviating conflict, poverty, and extremism.
Complicating matters further, mass deportations from neighboring countries are exacerbating food insecurity. The World Food Program noted that 60,000 Afghans returned from Iran in two months alone, while climate change-induced droughts and floods are severely affecting rural livelihoods.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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