Severe Child Malnutrition in Southern Afghanistan Rises by 30%, Says Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders has reported a significant increase in severe acute malnutrition cases among children in southern Afghan provinces. According to the organization’s report, from January to April of this year, the number of children suffering from this condition rose by 30 percent compared to the same period over the past three years.
The report states that this trend indicates widespread food insecurity and a continued lack of timely diagnosis and identification of malnutrition cases in the southern regions of the country. The organization warns that delays in detection and treatment critically worsen the health status of affected children.
Doctors Without Borders further noted that the majority of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition are under one year old—a group particularly vulnerable to food shortages and limited healthcare services.
The organization also identified the reduction of humanitarian aid in early 2025 as a contributing factor, reporting that over 600 health centers in Afghanistan have been closed following these cuts. The closure of these centers comes amid serious challenges faced by the healthcare system under Taliban administration, with many residents, especially in remote areas, having limited access to basic medical services.
Relief agencies have repeatedly warned that if this situation continues, the child malnutrition crisis across various parts of Afghanistan will deepen, disproportionately affecting low-income families and deprived regions.
