It has been revealed that 2.3mn pregnant women in the country are suffering from malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for intervention, Aamaj News reports citing the UN World Food Programme.
Widespread Food Insecurity
The UN WFP emphasized that the lack of food is not limited to a specific demographic but affects the majority of Afghanistan's population. This dire situation underscores the pressing need for comprehensive food assistance and nutritional support across the nation.
In the Punjab district of Bamiyan region, approximately 40% of pregnant and lactating women and 45% of children under the age of five are malnourished, indicating a critical need for targeted interventions to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups.
Impact of Reduced Financial Aid
The situation has been exacerbated by a reduction in financial aid to Afghanistan, particularly evident after the Taliban assumed power. In 2023, the WFP scaled back its aid programs due to funding shortages, resulting in only one in five needy Afghans receiving assistance. The shortfall in aid has significantly contributed to increased poverty and hunger across the country.
It was previously estimated that $1bn would be required to avert a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan.
Earlier, it was reported that In 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) extended aid to over 500,000 women in Afghanistan. The organization’s efforts were aimed at fostering self-sufficiency among women, even as their work opportunities continued to dwindle under the Taliban’s rule.
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