UN Warns: 9 Million Afghans Face Acute Hunger

Kokcha News Agency: The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, revealing that over 9 million people, approximately one-fourth of the population, are experiencing acute food insecurity. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated during a press briefing in New York on Wednesday that, with current resources, the organization can assist fewer than 1 million people per month.

Dujarric emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating daily. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that acute malnutrition in Afghanistan will reach its highest levels in 2025, with over 4.7 million children and women requiring immediate treatment.

The primary cause of this crisis, according to Dujarric, is a significant reduction in food aid from eight international organizations. The UN urgently needs $568 million to provide immediate food assistance and support vulnerable populations during the upcoming winter.

Dujarric also highlighted the recent earthquake in Kunar province, which has placed additional strain on already vulnerable families. While some needs have been met through the distribution of nutritious biscuits and other essential items, limited resources mean that aid has only reached a portion of those in need.

The UN has repeatedly warned about the sharp decline in international aid to Afghanistan. Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, all U.S. international aid, including support for the WFP in Afghanistan, has been suspended. This suspension has led to the closure of many aid organizations in the country and has put significant pressure on the Taliban regime.

Despite being the largest financial supporter of Afghanistan over the past two decades, the U.S. did not provide aid to the earthquake victims in Kunar. During the Taliban’s previous rule, the U.S. contributed approximately $3.5 billion in aid to Afghanistan.