WHO Warns 3.7 Million Afghan Children at Risk of Severe Malnutrition by 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that nearly 3.7 million children under the age of five in Afghanistan will suffer from severe acute malnutrition by 2026, a condition that poses a serious threat to children’s lives across the country.
According to a report released by the organization on Tuesday, June 2, approximately 95,000 of these children will face severe malnutrition accompanied by health complications. Without timely treatment, these cases could be fatal.
WHO attributes the rise in malnutrition cases to an escalating humanitarian crisis, economic challenges, food insecurity, recurring disease outbreaks, climate shocks, and limited access to health and nutritional services. In recent years, restrictions and weaknesses within public service structures under the Taliban administration have further complicated families’ access to essential healthcare, especially in remote areas.
The international body emphasized that the continuation and expansion of humanitarian support to maintain health and nutrition services in Afghanistan is vital. Without ongoing aid, thousands of children will face severe illness and death caused by malnutrition.
WHO also expressed gratitude to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund and other health and nutrition partners for supporting life-saving services in vulnerable regions and called for sustained cooperation to prevent a deeper humanitarian crisis.
