UN Agencies urge immediate action to tackle Malnutrition Crisis in Afghanistan

UN agencies urge urgent global support as over 3.5 million Afghan children face severe malnutrition amid worsening food insecurity crisis.

Several United Nations agencies have issued a joint call for urgent action to address the growing malnutrition crisis affecting women and children in Afghanistan. On Sunday, June 15, key humanitarian bodies including UNICEF, WHO, WFP, FAO, and UNFPA emphasized the need for rapid support to prevent further deterioration of health conditions.

According to the joint appeal, Afghanistan is among the 15 countries with the highest rates of malnutrition in women and children. The agencies report that more than 3.5 million children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition, with 1.4 million facing life-threatening conditions. The situation is compounded by a fragile healthcare system and limited resources.

The appeal also highlights that four in every ten Afghan women experience malnutrition, a crisis that is often overlooked in humanitarian responses. These women face serious health complications, especially during pregnancy and childbirth, increasing infant mortality and long-term developmental challenges.

The UN states that over 9.8 million people in Afghanistan are currently experiencing acute food insecurity. The primary causes include a weakened economy, prolonged drought, and environmental disasters. These factors continue to erode food systems and access to healthcare, further worsening the malnutrition crisis.

The joint strategic call focuses on integrated interventions such as food assistance, maternal and child healthcare, and nutritional education. The UN urges global donors and stakeholders to intensify their support for Afghanistan’s humanitarian response, which has seen a sharp 40% drop in funding compared to previous years.

Despite Afghanistan’s escalating nutritional emergency, international aid has declined significantly, putting millions of vulnerable lives at risk. UN agencies warn that without immediate funding and intervention, the crisis could lead to irreversible consequences for an entire generation.

Humanitarian leaders stress that global solidarity is critical to saving lives. They call on the international community to fulfill its obligations and prevent further suffering among Afghanistan’s women and children, who continue to face the brunt of conflict, climate shocks, and poverty.

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