UN provides nutrition counseling to 150,000 families in Afghanistan amid malnutrition crisis

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced that it provided nutrition counseling to nearly 150,000 families and caregivers of children in October this year. UNICEF made this announcement in a statement released on Wednesday, December 4.

According to UNICEF, the counseling services included guidance on breastfeeding for infants up to six months, the introduction of complementary foods from six months to two years, and ensuring healthy and nutritious food for children.

However, aid organizations have consistently warned over the past three years about the growing rates of malnutrition among children and breastfeeding mothers in Afghanistan.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, it is estimated that at least 2.9 million children in Afghanistan may suffer from severe malnutrition this year.

Afghanistan has the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the world, with 24 mothers and 167 children dying daily from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related diseases.

Recently, the ban on girls’ education in the country’s health institutions has sparked international condemnation. This policy has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, particularly for women and children who are already facing severe challenges.

The situation continues to deteriorate, with rising malnutrition rates and an inability to provide proper healthcare to vulnerable populations.

The international community must intensify efforts to address the root causes of these crises, including limited access to education, healthcare, and basic services. Without urgent intervention, the toll on Afghanistan’s children and mothers will continue to escalate, worsening the overall humanitarian disaster.

The post UN provides nutrition counseling to 150,000 families in Afghanistan amid malnutrition crisis appeared first on Khaama Press.