Aid Groups Warn of Malnutrition Crisis Among Afghan Children and Women After Earthquake

Aid Groups Warn of Malnutrition Crisis Among Afghan Children and Women After Earthquake
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Save the Children has raised alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan following the earthquake that struck the country’s east in late August. The organization reported that nearly 37,000 children under five and around 10,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in quake-affected areas are at risk of severe malnutrition.

According to its report released Tuesday (September 9), more than 91,000 people urgently need food assistance. Funding cuts this year have forced the closure of about 80 health facilities and mobile teams, leaving over half a million people without essential services.

The World Health Organization also estimated that more than 498,000 people, including 11,600 pregnant women, require emergency medical care. It warned that up to 15% of women could face life-threatening complications during childbirth due to the lack of reproductive health services. The risks are expected to intensify with the onset of winter, raising concerns over outbreaks of measles, respiratory infections, and acute diarrhea.

Afghanistan has faced overlapping crises since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, leading to reduced international aid and a deepening economic collapse. The recent earthquake killed at least 2,200 people, injured more than 3,600, and displaced thousands, further straining relief efforts.