Afghanistan: 3.7 million young lives at risk of malnutrition, UNICEF warns

Afghanistan faces a dire threat to the health of nearly four million young children, according to a new report issued by UNICEF. The report, titled Too Little, Too Late: The Diet Crisis Facing Young Children in Afghanistan, warns that 3.7 million children under five years old are at risk of malnutrition due to worsening food insecurity. The findings were released on Sunday, highlighting the severity of the situation as the country prepares for the peak wasting season, which typically runs from July to September. The report indicates that child food and nutrition insecurity is one of the primary causes of undernutrition in Afghanistan. Wasting, defined as being too thin for one's height, is particularly alarming because it results from recent food deprivation, illness, or both. This condition weakens immune systems, making children susceptible to developmental delays, diseases, and even death. Recent data reveals that the crisis has worsened in 26 out of 34 provinces compared to 2025, marking an early and deepening problem. This year marks the first time that UNICEF has assessed child malnutrition alongside the lived experiences of food and nutrition insecurity within the same groups of children across all provinces. The initiative aims to identify risks earlier, before children progress to severe malnutrition requiring urgent medical intervention. Early indicators include reduced dietary diversity, skipped meals, and children consuming insufficient amounts of food or experiencing hunger. Notably, children under two years old have been disproportionately affected, accounting for 83 percent of severe acute malnutrition cases and 77 percent of moderate acute malnutrition cases. Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated that young children are being pushed closer to malnutrition before the peak season begins. Families reducing meal portions or limiting access to nutritious foods serve as clear warnings of impending danger. While treatment can save lives, he stressed the importance of investing in prevention, especially through improved diets for the youngest children and pregnant women. The report highlights several contributing factors to the crisis, including limited access to clean water and inadequate funding. Children in households facing severe food insecurity are up to six times more likely to develop wasting during critical periods. Additionally, the latest Afghanistan Nutrition Cluster alert underscores the necessity of addressing broader health challenges, such as disease outbreaks, low immunization rates, and insufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene services. These issues collectively weaken children’s health and increase their vulnerability to malnutrition. As the peak wasting season approaches, UNICEF is urging immediate action to safeguard young children’s nutritional status and prevent further deterioration. The organization is advocating for increased investment in programs like its First Foods Initiative, which focuses on children aged six to 23 months. Efforts will also include enhancing preventive nutrition services and aligning essential services with children’s specific dietary needs. UNICEF has warned that the window for effective intervention is shrinking, emphasizing the need for timely and adaptable funding to support families before the crisis intensifies further.