UN voices concern over surging hunger, malnutrition in Afghanistan

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarm over escalating hunger and malnutrition in Afghanistan, reporting the highest levels for 2024.

In a social media post, OCHA revealed that around 15.8 million people in Afghanistan are expected to face food shortages.

From January to November 2023, humanitarian efforts reached 29.4 million people in Afghanistan, with 25.5 million directly benefiting, OCHA said. These initiatives, including food and healthcare aid, were funded by $850 million carried over from 2022 and an additional $1.30 billion raised in 2023. Despite this, funding shortfalls led to reduced food assistance, affecting 18 million people in IPC 3+ areas and 3.4 million receiving half rations, including those in IPC 4 areas.