Afghanistan: 3 million children will suffer malnutrition this year

Kabul [Afghanistan]: The World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan has warned that this year, up to three million children could suffer from malnutrition under the Taliban regime, Khaama Press news agency reported.

Impact of Reduced Aid
The organisation stated that since last year, due to a reduction in foreign aid, the number of malnourished children seeking treatment has increased.

WFP Plans to Assist 1.6 Million Children
Khaama Press reported, citing Mona Sheikh, Head of Nutrition at the World Food Programme in Afghanistan who said in a video posted on the organisation's account on its social media platform X, "We will be able to assist about 1.6 million malnourished children."

UNICEF's Support
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) previously announced that in 2023, it assisted 715,000 malnourished children in Afghanistan.

Economic Hardships Under Taliban
According to international organizations, many families in Afghanistan under Taliban control are unable to provide food for their children. Additionally, reports indicate that since the Taliban took power, Afghanistan has been facing a dire humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the already precarious situation.

Aggravating Humanitarian Crisis
The lack of stability and access to basic necessities has led to widespread suffering, particularly among vulnerable groups like women and children.

Lack of Funds Impedes Relief Efforts
Moreover, the shortfall of funds from international organizations has significantly hindered relief efforts in Afghanistan. This has left millions of people at risk of famine and deprived them of essential humanitarian aid, further worsening the humanitarian situation in the country.

Universities Remain Closed to Girls
Despite over 450 days passing, universities in Afghanistan remain closed to girls, with no signs of reopening on the horizon, TOLO News reported.

Expressing their frustration, female students highlight the significant delay in their academic progress, urging the Talibani caretaker government to prioritise the reopening of universities this year.

Advocating for Girls' Education
Khadijah, speaking on behalf of many, emphasises, "The education of girls holds immense importance; it reflects the literacy and development of entire families. Neglecting it jeopardises the education and advancement of society as a whole," as reported by TOLO News.

Echoing these sentiments, Narrow pleads, "We implore authorities to unlock the doors of schools and universities for girls, as their education is crucial for building a strong and progressive society." Concerns are also voiced by university professors, who fear that the continued closure of universities to girls will hinder the country's progress.

(With ANI inputs)