World Food Programme Warns of Child Malnutrition Emergency in Afghanistan

The World Food Programme reports that Afghanistan is facing a child malnutrition emergency, with acute malnutrition reaching critical levels in one-third of the country's provinces. Projections for 2026 indicate that 3.7 million children and 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women will be malnourished due to conflict, unemployment, high food prices, and poor sanitation.

Humanitarian operations have been severely hindered by funding shortages and supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis and the closure of the Pakistan border. These disruptions have left nearly one million people without essential nutrition services for five months. The impact became evident in 2025, when 142 health centers closed and more than 13,000 children lost access to medical treatment.

To prevent further preventable deaths and maintain emergency operations, the agency is requesting US$540 million over the next six months. John Aylieff, the WFP Country Director in Afghanistan, described visits to local health centers as a distressing experience where the next generation is wasting away.