Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Japan has pledged $27.5 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, aiming to address the dire food insecurity and malnutrition gripping the country. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Japanese Embassy in Kabul, following urgent appeals from the World Food Programme (WFP).
“Pleased to announce that @JapanGov 🇯🇵 has decided additional 27.5 million USD assistance for Afghanistan, covering both humanitarian and basic human needs. We hope this assistance will make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Afghans in need,” the embassy posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The aid comes at a critical time, as the WFP has reported that nearly 15 million Afghans are uncertain about where their next meal will come from. The organization has urgently called for $718 million to sustain its operations over the next six months. Without additional funding, millions could face worsening hunger and malnutrition.
In its recent assessment, the WFP highlighted that 11.6 million Afghans—approximately 25% of the population—are currently experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity. Furthermore, 14.8 million people are projected to require humanitarian food assistance from November 2024 to March 2025.
The report also noted alarming rates of malnutrition among children and women. It estimates that 3.5 million children under the age of five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2025. This represents a 28% increase in moderately acute malnourished children and a 1% rise in severe cases compared to 2024.
Japan’s contribution is expected to bolster efforts to address these critical needs, providing relief to some of the most vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.
