15 million people in Afghanistan need food assistance for survival: WFP
Philippe Kropf, spokesperson for the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations, has issued a warning about the increasing risk of hunger in Afghanistan as winter approaches.
He added that nearly 15 million people, or one-third of the population, will require food assistance for survival. These remarks were made during an interview with the British newspaper The Independent on Tuesday, December 3.
According to Kropf, it is projected that by 2025, a total of 3.45 million children will suffer from malnutrition in Afghanistan. He further warned that the winter season will worsen the hunger situation, with one out of every three people in the country at risk of food insecurity. This alarming prediction highlights the dire consequences of ongoing economic and social challenges in the country.
As winter sets in, humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the growing number of people in need across Afghanistan. The World Food Programme reports that millions will face severe hardship during the winter, and one in four families will have insufficient access to food. The harsh weather conditions further exacerbate an already critical food insecurity situation, making it harder for vulnerable populations to meet their basic needs.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Afghanistan has stated that $603.5 million is urgently needed to provide shelter and warm clothing for those in need during the winter months. This amount underscores the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the need for international support to help mitigate the worst effects of the cold season.
The hunger crisis in Afghanistan presents an urgent challenge for the international community. With millions of people at risk of starvation and widespread malnutrition, especially among children, it is critical to intensify humanitarian aid and long-term support strategies.
The situation in Afghanistan calls for swift and coordinated action from global actors. Winter assistance, particularly in the form of food and warmth, is essential to alleviating immediate suffering.
However, lasting solutions will require sustained investment in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure to combat the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in the long term.
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