In a stark warning issued by the World Food Programme (WFP) Afghanistan, up to three million children in the country are at risk of suffering from malnutrition this year, as reported by Khaama Press news agency. Citing Mona Sheikh, Head of Nutrition at WFP Afghanistan, the organization highlighted a concerning trend of increased malnourishment among children due to a reduction in foreign aid since last year.
https://x.com/WFP_Afghanistan/status/1773296473767317873?s=20
Mona Sheikh, Head of Nutrition at the World Food Programme in Afghanistan, in a video shared on the organization’s social media platform X, emphasized the challenges faced in assisting malnourished children, stating, “We will be able to assist about 1.6 million malnourished children.” This figure stands in stark contrast to the 715,000 children assisted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2023, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.
Reports indicate that the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has been further exacerbated since the Taliban took power. Many families, particularly in areas under Taliban control, are struggling to provide food for their children, leading to widespread suffering. Moreover, the closure of universities to girls for over 450 days has raised concerns about the long-term impact on education and societal progress.
Female students, expressing their frustration, have urged the Talibani caretaker government to prioritize the reopening of universities, stressing the importance of girls’ education for the development of society as a whole. University professors also voiced concerns about the continued closure, fearing it would hinder the country’s progress.
The shortfall of funds from international organizations has significantly hindered relief efforts, leaving millions at risk of famine and depriving them of essential humanitarian aid. Urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and ensure the well-being and future prospects of its vulnerable populations.
