The United Nations World Food Program has reported that 12.4 million people in Afghanistan are grappling with what it describes as “severe” levels of food insecurity.
In its latest report, the agency stated that a significant number of Afghans are uncertain about where their next meal will come from. The World Food Program estimates that it needs an additional $617 million in immediate funding to supply aid packages to those in need by December 2024.
The report highlighted that the acute financial crisis following the Taliban’s return to power has jeopardized the program’s ability to deliver food aid across the country. Due to limited funding, the World Food Program can currently support only about one million people, leaving over 11 million others without essential assistance.
As malnutrition rates continue to rise, the agency warns that 1.4 million children and nursing mothers will be excluded from receiving specially fortified food packages due to funding constraints.
The report also emphasized that climate-related challenges are exacerbating the crisis, further complicating the situation for communities across Afghanistan.
