Taliban Rule in Afghanistan Threatens Malnutrition Crisis for 3 Million Children: WFP

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan has cautioned that under the Taliban administration, as many as three million children could face malnutrition this year, as per a report by Khaama Press news agency.

According to the organization, there has been a rise in the number of malnourished children seeking treatment since last year due to a decrease in foreign aid.

Khaama Press, citing Mona Sheikh, Head of Nutrition at the WFP in Afghanistan, reported in a video posted on the organization’s account on its social media platform X, “We will be able to assist about 1.6 million malnourished children.”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had earlier declared that in 2023, it aided 715,000 malnourished children in Afghanistan.

International organizations report that numerous families in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan struggle to provide food for their children.

Moreover, reports suggest that Afghanistan has plunged into a severe humanitarian crisis since the Taliban assumed control, worsening the already fragile situation. The absence of stability and availability of essential resources has resulted in extensive hardship, especially for vulnerable demographics such as women and children.

Furthermore, the lack of funding from international organizations has severely impeded relief operations in Afghanistan. This has placed millions of individuals in jeopardy of famine and deprived them of vital humanitarian assistance, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the nation.

According to TOLO News, despite more than 450 days passing, universities in Afghanistan remain inaccessible to girls, with no indication of reopening in the foreseeable future.

Expressing their frustration, female students emphasize the substantial setback in their academic advancement, urging the interim Taliban government to prioritize the reopening of universities this year.

Khadijah, speaking on behalf of many, emphasises, “The education of girls holds immense importance; it reflects the literacy and development of entire families. Neglecting it jeopardises the education and advancement of society as a whole,” as reported by TOLO News.

Echoing these sentiments, Narow pleads, “We implore authorities to unlock the doors of schools and universities for girls, as their education is crucial for building a strong and progressive society.”

University professors also express concerns, fearing that the ongoing closure of universities to girls will impede the country’s advancement.