The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced its commitment to providing critical food assistance to over 1.3 million acutely food-insecure individuals across Afghanistan for up to one year.
This initiative is made possible through funding received from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as reported by a news channel.
The Asian Development Bank had previously declared its approval of USD 400 million in grants, aimed at safeguarding the welfare and livelihoods of vulnerable Afghan populations, with a particular focus on women and girls. These funds are intended to alleviate the adverse impacts of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. Notably, a significant portion of this grant, amounting to USD 100 million, will be channelled to the World Food Program.
The United Nations’ Food Agency has welcomed the Asian Development Bank’s contribution, emphasizing that special attention will be given to widow- and women-headed households, as well as other highly vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and families solely reliant on begging for survival.
However, recent reports indicate that Afghan women face the risk of losing a critical lifeline due to budget cuts affecting the WFP. The World Food Programme has voiced concerns that as a consequence of funding reductions, one million women and their children will no longer receive essential nutritional support.
An official from the WFP’s Emergency division in Afghanistan highlighted the growing challenges faced by Afghan women, stating, “Women are being gradually excluded from social life every day, with minimal opportunities for livelihood and nutrition for their offspring,” as reported by the news channel.
This development underscores the critical need for continued international support and funding to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women and children.