WFP Warns Millions of Afghans at Risk of Severe Hunger and Malnutrition

Kokcha News Agency – The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning that millions of Afghans are at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition, exacerbated by funding shortages and the forced return of migrants from Iran and Pakistan. In a report released on Sunday, October 6, WFP highlighted that Afghanistan is witnessing a collapse in social services, with reduced funding for development and humanitarian aid worsening the situation.

According to the report, 3.5 million children in Afghanistan are expected to suffer from malnutrition this year, nearly half a million more than last year, marking the sharpest increase in malnutrition in the country’s history. Additionally, nearly two million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan, with little to no assistance provided to them.

WFP also stated that due to resource shortages, support for the winter season has been drastically reduced, with only enough funding to assist one million people in the coming months. Up to 15 million vulnerable individuals may face severe hunger, displacement, and harsh weather conditions.

The UN agency has been forced to cut or even halt food assistance to some of the most vulnerable populations due to a 40% reduction in funding compared to last year. WFP aims to provide food and nutritional assistance to 98 million people globally, while 343 million people across 74 countries are facing acute hunger.

This warning comes as international organizations have highlighted that Afghanistan is simultaneously grappling with three crises: earthquakes, the forced return of migrants, and a reduction in humanitarian aid.