John Aylieff, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) director in Afghanistan, has warned that 19 million people—nearly 40 percent of the country’s population—will face acute hunger in the coming months.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Aylieff said the number of people suffering from hunger had reached an unprecedented level.
He stressed that severe malnutrition, which can be fatal if left untreated, is increasing at an alarming rate in Afghanistan.
He said that in the coming year, nearly 5.3 million women and children in Afghanistan will need treatment for severe malnutrition—1.3 million more than in 2022.
According to the Associated Press, the malnutrition ward at Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital, one of Afghanistan’s main centres for treating children, is operating at full capacity, with all 20 beds occupied.
Aylieff emphasized that children are hit hardest by food shortages because their bodies are still growing and require more nutrients.
The WFP warned that food shortages can put children at risk of severe malnutrition and death.
The crisis is unfolding as Afghanistan’s economy continues to face serious challenges following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces and the return of the caretaker government to power in 2021.
