Afghanistan Faces Worsening Hunger Crisis as Aid Funds Dry Up, Warns UN

Post by : Saif Nasser

Afghanistan is facing one of its most serious hunger crises in decades as international aid funding continues to fall short, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned. Millions of people, especially children, are at risk as the country enters another harsh winter with limited food support.

According to the WFP, this is the first time in many years that the agency is unable to launch a large-scale winter relief programme across Afghanistan. The organisation said it does not have enough funds to provide proper food and nutrition aid to those who need it most. As a result, deaths linked to hunger and malnutrition are expected to rise, especially among young children.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has steadily worsened since 2021, when foreign troops withdrew and the Taliban returned to power. Since then, international donors have reduced aid, leaving many families without support. The crisis has been made worse by repeated natural disasters, including earthquakes, which have destroyed homes, crops, and livelihoods.

The WFP estimates that around 17 million Afghans are now facing hunger. This number has increased by about three million compared to last year. One major reason for this rise is the return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan, where governments have stepped up efforts to send back migrants and refugees. Humanitarian groups say Afghanistan does not have the systems or resources needed to absorb so many returnees in such a short time.

Children are among the worst affected. The WFP says child malnutrition is at its highest level in decades. Around 3.7 million Afghan children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and at least one million of them are in severe condition. Severe malnutrition weakens the body and can quickly become life-threatening if treatment is not available.

Access to treatment is becoming more difficult as funding for health and nutrition programmes continues to shrink. Clinics that once provided food supplements and medical care are now struggling to stay open. In remote areas, families often have to travel long distances to reach help, which many cannot afford to do.

The situation becomes even more dangerous during winter. Food supplies are usually lowest at this time of year, while freezing temperatures increase health risks, especially for children. The WFP has warned that without urgent support, many children may not survive the coming months.

The agency says it needs more than $460 million to provide food assistance to six million of the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan. However, current funding levels stand at just 12 percent of what is required. UN officials have described this funding gap as a major obstacle that is costing lives.

The growing hunger crisis in Afghanistan highlights the human cost of reduced international support. Aid agencies are calling on donors to act quickly, warning that without immediate funding, the suffering will deepen and many lives, especially those of children, will be lost.