Afghanistan Times
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Kabul: The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a dire need for $760 million in food assistance in Afghanistan over the next six months, amidst growing international concerns about widespread poverty in the country.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, the organization stated that millions in Afghanistan are suffering from severe hunger, with over half of the estimated 43 million population forced to reduce their food intake.
Findings from the World Food Programme indicate that at least 16 million people in Afghanistan experience daily concerns about having enough food.
It’s worth mentioning that Afghanistan faces one of the most serious humanitarian crises globally, a crisis that typically exacerbates during winter due to road closures.
Forced deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, such as Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, has intensified, with more than half a million Afghans deported by Pakistani officials since October 2023, despite harsh winter conditions.
Many of the returnees are confronted with numerous challenges, including inadequate access to water, shelter, and medical care, along with a scarcity of job opportunities and an uncertain future.
Furthermore, the severe earthquake that struck Herat province in October last year further exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children, who faced heightened levels of malnutrition.
Since the Taliban seized power, they have imposed various restrictions on women’s rights, including limitations on employment with domestic and international aid organizations. Consequently, many donors have reduced their aid support, exacerbating the challenges faced by the Afghan people.
The situation underscores the urgent need for international support and assistance to alleviate the suffering of millions of Afghans who are struggling to meet their basic food needs. The World Food Programmer’s appeal highlights the critical importance of addressing food insecurity in Afghanistan and providing timely aid to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
