KABUL, Afghanistan — As Ramadan begins, millions of Afghans are struggling with severe food insecurity, with nearly 15 million people unsure where their next meal will come from, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report.
According to OCHA, 14.8 million Afghans are facing food insecurity, including 3.1 million in emergency conditions classified as IPC Phase 4, just one step away from famine.
The situation is compounded by a severe funding shortfall—of the $1.09 billion requested for humanitarian aid in 2025, only $9.9 million (0.9%) has been secured, OCHA said.
The United Nations has warned that 23 million Afghans will need humanitarian assistance this year, making Afghanistan one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. However, the lack of funding threatens relief efforts, putting millions at risk of worsening hunger and malnutrition.
OCHA highlighted that the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, a country-based pooled fund, plays a key role in providing coordinated and timely aid. However, without additional financial support, critical assistance programs may be cut, further exacerbating the crisis.
International organizations report that rising poverty, unemployment, and reduced foreign aid have significantly impacted access to food and essential services. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate further, increasing suffering for millions across the country.
