The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning of a critical funding shortage that could limit its ability to provide emergency food and nutrition assistance. The agency currently supports 7 million people, although 16 million are facing hunger.
A recent WFP report emphasized the urgent need for funds to continue aiding the most vulnerable communities. The report highlighted a looming shortage by February 2024 of super cereal, a vital soy-wheat blend used to nourish pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
The WFP also noted that malnutrition significantly increases the risk of death in children under five and complicates childbirth for pregnant women. The agency mentioned an Afghan citizen, “Qamar,” who is among the 2.3 million malnourished pregnant women who received treatment in WFP-supported nutrition clinics last year.
Following the fall of its former government and subsequent international sanctions, Afghanistan under Taliban rule is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over 26 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN.
