UN OCHA: 17.4 Million People in Afghanistan Face Severe Hunger Amid Ramadan
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that as the month of Ramadan begins, 17.4 million people in Afghanistan are grappling with severe hunger, and a total of 21.9 million individuals depend on humanitarian aid to survive.
On Thursday, February 18, OCHA released a statement highlighting that millions of returnee migrants from neighboring countries, along with families affected by natural disasters, are forced to rebuild their homes and lives without adequate resources.
The statement reads: “This Ramadan, as millions fast and share Iftar with others, let us not forget the 21.9 million people in Afghanistan who rely on humanitarian assistance.”
Previously, OCHA had requested $1.7 billion in funding to address the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan. However, the ongoing economic crisis, widespread restrictions on work and social activities, and diminished livelihood opportunities under the Taliban administration have increased the vulnerability of families.
Meanwhile, residents in several provinces report rising food prices coinciding with the start of Ramadan, which has doubled the pressure on low-income families and heightened concerns about food security.
