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The number of individuals experiencing severe food insecurity in Afghanistan has grown significantly this winter, surpassing 17 million, according to the United Nations.
“The situation continues to worsen, and immediate action is necessary as Afghanistan faces its peak winter months, when needs are most urgent,” stated Jean-Martin Bauer, head of food security and nutrition analysis at the UN World Food Programme.
He disclosed that more than 17 million people are suffering from acute food insecurity, which is an increase of three million from the previous year, during a press conference in Geneva. Additionally, nearly four million children are battling severe malnutrition.
From WFP’s headquarters in Rome, Bauer explained that this crisis stems from multiple factors, including droughts damaging crops and livestock, earthquakes that have plunged many families into poverty, and reductions in international aid.
Compounding the issue, the return of over 2.5 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year is straining already limited resources and the fragile infrastructure of the country. The WFP projects a similar number of returnees in 2026.
Currently, the organization has only secured 12% of the funding required to sustain its programs in Afghanistan. Bauer highlighted that due to funding shortages, WFP cannot carry out its usual winter preparations, such as pre-stocking food in vulnerable communities.
He called on donors to act swiftly to prevent the most severe impacts, emphasizing that a need for approximately $570 million over the next six months exists to support around six million people. Bauer also stressed the importance of keeping Afghanistan in global headlines due to its extremely high vulnerability levels.
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