Why Do Over 4.7 Million Women and Children in Afghanistan Urgently Need Malnutrition Treatment?
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Synopsis
The UN warns that Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian crisis with **over 4.7 million women and children** needing urgent malnutrition treatment. The deteriorating conditions of drought and economic collapse threaten lives, making international support more crucial than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Over 4.7 million women and children in Afghanistan need urgent malnutrition treatment.
- The food security situation is critical, with one in four Afghans facing severe food insecurity.
- Acute malnutrition levels have reached unprecedented rates in 2025.
- The international community must increase support to prevent widespread fatalities.
- Funding shortages have led to the closure of over 420 health facilities.
Kabul, Sep 12 (NationPress) The United Nations has reported that over 4.7 million women and children in Afghanistan need urgent treatment for malnutrition due to a combination of drought, economic collapse, and dwindling aid, leading the nation further into a humanitarian crisis, as local media highlighted on Friday.
During a press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the alarming food security situation in Afghanistan. He noted that one in four Afghans is facing severe food insecurity, with children being the most affected, according to the prominent news agency Khaama Press.
The World Food Programme (WFP) revealed that acute malnutrition rates in Afghanistan have reached unprecedented levels in 2025. Numerous affected children have been rushed for immediate treatment at Kabul's Indira Gandhi hospital.
The UN has stated that over 4.7 million women and children require immediate assistance. Aid officials cautioned that an escalation in malnutrition could lead to widespread deaths and long-lasting health repercussions if prompt actions are not taken.
Afghanistan continues to grapple with economic deterioration, drought, and a significant drop in international support. Coupled with rising unemployment and poverty, these issues have greatly diminished Afghan families' ability to procure food.
Humanitarian organizations have consistently urged the international community to amplify their support, warning that current aid levels are insufficient to tackle the enormity of the crisis.
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is worsening, with over 22 million individuals urgently needing assistance, Khaama Press reported.
In its recent report published on August 28, the WHO stated that more than 16 million Afghans are in urgent need of life-saving aid in 2025, yet only 24% of the required funding has been achieved.
The WHO also mentioned that the funding shortfall has led to the closure of over 420 health facilities, cutting off nearly three million individuals from essential medical services. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, have suffered the most from these limitations.
Point of View
It is vital to emphasize that the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan demands urgent attention from both national and international communities. The suffering of over 4.7 million women and children must not be overlooked, and efforts to provide adequate support and solutions should be prioritized. We stand in solidarity with those affected and advocate for immediate action to alleviate their plight.
NationPress
12/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan is experiencing a profound humanitarian crisis, with **over 4.7 million women and children** in need of urgent malnutrition treatment as a result of drought, economic collapse, and reduced aid.
How many people are facing food insecurity in Afghanistan?
According to the UN, **one in four Afghans** is struggling with severe food insecurity, particularly affecting children.
What are the leading causes of malnutrition in Afghanistan?
The primary factors contributing to malnutrition in Afghanistan include **drought, economic collapse, and a significant decline in international assistance**.
What actions are humanitarian organizations taking?
Humanitarian organizations are urging the international community to increase support, highlighting that current assistance levels are inadequate to address the crisis's scale.
What is the role of the World Health Organization in this crisis?
The World Health Organization is actively involved in addressing the crisis, stating that **over 22 million people** in Afghanistan urgently need assistance and advocating for necessary funding.
