rki.news | Source: Anadolu
KABUL: August 4 (RKI): The UN World Food Program (WFP) has warned that funding shortages are forcing it to reduce food and nutrition programs in Afghanistan as child malnutrition reaches critical levels.
The agency said one-third of Afghan children are facing acute malnutrition, with conditions expected to worsen through October. Twelve provinces have already reached critical levels requiring urgent assistance.
WFP warned that without immediate support, more children could face severe malnutrition in the coming months. It said nearly 3.7 million children are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition, while 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are also at risk.
WFP Afghanistan Director John Aylieff said the situation was deeply concerning, adding that the crisis was occurring despite the harvest season.
The agency attributed the worsening conditions to conflict, unemployment, rising food prices and declining humanitarian funding. It also highlighted supply disruptions and border closures affecting nutrition services.
WFP said 142 health centers closed in 2025, leaving thousands of children without treatment. The agency urgently needs $540 million over the next six months to continue life-saving nutrition programs.