UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Malnutrition Crisis Deepens in Afghanistan

UNICEF has raised alarm over the worsening malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan, stating that 3.7 million children in the country are affected by severe wasting and acute malnutrition.

Escalating Malnutrition Crisis in Afghanistan

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently reported a significant deterioration in the nutritional status of children in Afghanistan, revealing that 3.7 million children are facing challenges of severe wasting and acute malnutrition.

Tajuddin Ouwali, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, conveyed during a meeting at the United Nations in Geneva that the rising cases of malnutrition are putting immense pressure on the nation’s healthcare system. In certain regions, there are three to four malnourished children hospitalized for every available bed.

Increase in Childhood Hospitalizations

Ouwali also noted that since the beginning of this year, over half a million children have been admitted to health facilities due to moderate and severe wasting. The number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition with associated medical complications has surged by one-third in July 2023 compared to the previous year, rising from 6,000 to 8,000 cases.

Approximately 40 percent of the children hospitalized due to severe wasting and its related complications are infants under six months old, while children under two years comprise 83 percent of severe acute malnutrition cases.

Factors Contributing to the Nutritional Crisis

UNICEF emphasizes that economic challenges faced by families have led to a decrease in the consumption of nutritious foods and a reduction in dietary diversity for children. Assessments by the organization indicate that children living in households with severe food insecurity are at greater risk of suffering from severe wasting.

Ouwali further highlighted that malnutrition is not solely the result of food scarcity; diseases such as severe diarrhea and respiratory infections can rapidly exacerbate children’s nutritional status.

Consequences of Resource Shortages

UNICEF has warned that budget cuts and the closure of health centers are further complicating the situation. According to the organization, over 100 treatment facilities for children with severe malnutrition have closed this year due to resource shortages, and the nutrition sector faces a 57 percent budget deficit.

Additional factors such as recurrent droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding, along with the return of millions of migrants to Afghanistan, are increasing pressure on families and health services. UNICEF is urging the international community to pay attention to the malnutrition crisis and provide sustainable funding to save the lives of children in Afghanistan.