Afghanistan Child Malnutrition Crisis Worsens

Afghanistan is facing a severe hunger crisis, with an estimated 3.7 million children requiring malnutrition treatment this year, an increase of 200,000. This crisis is exacerbated by significant cuts in foreign aid since the Taliban regained power in 2021, natural calamities, and the return of over 5 million people from Pakistan and Iran since late 2023. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that funding cuts mean they can only treat one in four children in need. Ongoing conflict, particularly near the border with Pakistan, further strains resources and prevents access to health services, leading to fears of a high toll of child deaths, especially in remote, snow-bound areas.