The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that without immediate funding, programs aimed at preventing child malnutrition in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria may come to a halt within a few months.
In a statement, the organization indicated that it requires $1.4 billion in funding to implement its programs in 56 countries in 2025.
The announcement cautioned that budget shortfalls could disrupt global efforts to combat child malnutrition in these three countries.
The statement quoted Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, saying: “If we do not act, we will condemn millions of children to a lifetime of suffering.”
The World Food Programme has faced severe financial difficulties, particularly following the suspension of aid from the United States. Last year, the U.S. provided $4.5 billion of the organization’s $9.8 billion budget.
The WFP provides food and cash assistance to individuals facing hunger due to agricultural shortages, conflicts, and climate change.
Additionally, the organization stated that it needs $1.4 billion to treat malnutrition for 30 million mothers and children in 56 countries in 2025 and warned that this issue is on the rise globally due to wars.
The Executive Director of the World Food Programme added that the organization’s programs in Afghanistan may cease by May of this year. The organization also mentioned that it would reduce its programs in some other countries.
It is noteworthy that malnutrition is a serious crisis in Afghanistan, particularly among children, with issues such as poverty and lack of access to proper healthcare and nutrition services hindering essential treatments and prevention efforts.
OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, predicts that the number of malnourished children in Afghanistan will reach 3.5 million by 2025.
According to United Nations reports, this figure has been around 3 million children under five over the past five years.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs states that by 2025, 22.9 million people in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance.
This organization needs $2.24 billion in funding for its relief efforts.
In 2024, OCHA requested $3.06 billion for humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan; however, according to the latest reports from the United Nations, only about 40% of this budget has been secured.
