GENEVA — An alarming situation is unfolding in Afghanistan, where over 17 million people are facing severe hunger this coming winter, according to the U.N. food aid agency. This figure marks a rise of 3 million since last year.
Multiple factors are making food scarce. Ongoing economic struggles, repeated droughts, and a decline in international aid are all taking a toll. Additionally, many Afghans are returning from neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan, further straining the nation’s resources. Jean-Martin Bauer, from the World Food Program, stressed the severity by pointing out that close to 4 million children are battling acute malnutrition, with about 1 million in critical condition needing hospital care.
Currently, food assistance is reaching only 2.7% of the population. With over 2.5 million people returning from abroad this year, the situation has become even more urgent. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report warns that over a third of Afghanistan’s population will face crisis levels of food insecurity from now until March 2026. Among them, nearly 4.7 million might experience emergency food shortages.
According to a recent study by the Food Security Information Network, this is part of a broader trend affecting various regions worldwide, where nearly 828 million people are undernourished. In comparison, statistics from the 1990s showed that global hunger was significantly less prevalent. So, while we look to the coming spring harvest for potential improvement, the pressing need for international support and sustainable solutions remains critical.
As discussions on social media highlight the urgency of this crisis, it’s clear that coordinated efforts are required to tackle both immediate needs and long-term food security. For further insights on global hunger trends, you can refer to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
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AP A-Wire, Wires bot
