Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Nearly one-third of Afghanistan’s population is expected to face severe food insecurity this winter, as millions grapple with the compounded effects of poverty, harsh weather, and rising food prices. Aid agencies estimate that around 15 million people will require food assistance to survive, with children facing the most dire consequences.
Humanitarian organizations warn that nearly 6.5 million children are already experiencing crisis or emergency levels of hunger. Projections indicate that by 2025, the number of malnourished children could climb to 3.45 million, further straining the country’s fragile healthcare system.
In total, more than 24 million Afghans are in dire need of humanitarian aid, including cash and food supplies, to avoid slipping deeper into poverty and food insecurity. The winter months bring added challenges, as families struggle to prioritize basic needs like heating, warm clothing, and food. The situation is particularly acute in regions where extreme cold exacerbates health risks, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and other illnesses.
Humanitarian agencies have identified 16 million people across 171 districts as high-priority for assistance. Nearly half the country is expected to be severely impacted by the cold, with millions relying on emergency support to get through the season.
The World Food Programme has called for $787 million to sustain its operations over the next six months. Without this support, aid groups warn that the crisis could spiral further, leaving millions of Afghan families at risk of starvation and worsening health conditions.
