Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has recently stated that by 2026, approximately 21.9 million people, equivalent to 45% of Afghanistan’s population, will need humanitarian assistance.
Mr. Guterres, in a report, mentioned that the main needs include food aid, treatment for acute malnutrition, primary healthcare services, access to safe drinking water, and support services.
He emphasized that around 17.4 million people in Afghanistan are facing acute food insecurity, and this number is expected to increase.
He pointed out that budget shortfalls have also reduced the coverage of food assistance. According to the report, about 4.9 million children under five years old and pregnant and breastfeeding women need treatment for acute malnutrition.
The report also states that 80% of humanitarian organizations are facing financial difficulties.
The UN Secretary-General added that 39% of these organizations have reduced their staff salaries, 35% have limited their field presence, and 28% are planning to reduce personnel or activities for 2026.
Additionally, Antonio Guterres noted in his report that as of April 1, approximately 94,000 people have been displaced due to border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with more than half of these individuals being women and children.
The United Nations has reported an increase in the risk of gender-based violence in affected areas.
Furthermore, between March 26 and April 16, heavy rainfall and flash floods affected 73,300 people in Afghanistan and left over 31,600 in urgent need of assistance.
