Afghanistan is facing its worst hunger crisis on record, with child malnutrition levels reaching an all-time high, CNN reported, citing the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
Nearly 10mn people, or a quarter of the population, are suffering from acute food insecurity, while one in three children is stunted due to chronic malnutrition.
The deepening crisis has been linked to a sharp reduction in international food aid over the past two years. Financial support to humanitarian agencies has plummeted, compounding the impact on one of the world’s poorest nations.
In a significant blow earlier this year, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump halted all food assistance to Afghanistan, further straining relief efforts.
Compounding the crisis is a surge in returnees from neighboring countries. Mass deportations of Afghans deemed illegal immigrants—particularly from Iran—have put added pressure on an already fragile system.
“In the past two months alone, the World Food Programme has assisted 60,000 returnees from Iran,” WFP noted.
WFP spokesman Ziauddin Safi emphasized the urgent need for funding, stating that $15mn is required to support all Afghan returnees from Iran. The broader funding requirement stands at $539mn to reach the most vulnerable families across Afghanistan by January 2026.
Environmental challenges are also accelerating the food crisis. Drought, water shortages, land degradation, and flash floods—driven by the climate crisis—are damaging both livelihoods and the country’s economy, warned Matiullah Khalis, head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency.
The worsening situation in Afghanistan comes as global hunger continues to rise. In Gaza, UNICEF recently reported that famine risk is escalating, with one in three people going without food for days. At least 162 people, including 92 children, have died from starvation.
Earlier, the UN has also issued warnings for West and Central Africa, where up to 55mn people may face famine in the coming months due to surging food prices.
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