Svetovni prehranski program: kriza lakote v Afganistanu narašča

The United Nations World Food Programme has issued a dire warning about a deepening food crisis in Afghanistan, describing the situation as spiraling out of control, particularly affecting children. According to John Aylieff, the WFP's country representative in Afghanistan, the organization can now assist only one in nine of the 14 million people suffering from malnutrition in the country due to severe cuts in aid funding from donor nations. The crisis is worsening rapidly, with increasing numbers of children being admitted to health centers in critical condition, often too late to save them. Aylieff noted that acute undernutrition among children, considered the most dangerous form of malnutrition, has reached a critical level in one-third of Afghanistan’s provinces, marking an unprecedented scale. Children under two years old are especially vulnerable, he added. The situation is exacerbated by conflicts, trade disruptions, and forced returns from neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan. These factors have contributed to a sharp rise in malnutrition over the past year, with conditions this year being even more severe than last. The humanitarian emergency is not confined within Afghanistan’s borders. Aylieff warned that extreme hunger could drive migration and radicalization, ultimately leading to instability that would extend beyond national boundaries. This instability, he emphasized, does not stop at borders. The combination of reduced aid, ongoing conflict, and external pressures has created a perfect storm for a worsening humanitarian crisis. According to UN estimates, over 48 million people live in Afghanistan, many of whom are now facing severe food insecurity. The WFP had initially budgeted around $900 million (approximately €780 million) for its operations in Afghanistan this year, but has received only about one-tenth of that amount so far. Despite expectations of a good harvest this year, Aylieff stressed that this alone will not alleviate the crisis, given the increased number of people who need assistance. Over six million Afghans have been forcibly returned to their home country from neighboring states in the past three years, further straining local resources and infrastructure. The crisis has been compounded by the withdrawal of financial support from several donor countries, which has significantly limited the ability of international organizations to provide essential relief efforts. This reduction in funding has left the WFP struggling to meet basic needs, including food distribution, medical care, and emergency shelter. Without additional support, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, putting millions of lives at risk. The WFP has called for immediate action from the global community to address the growing crisis. Officials have urged governments and private donors to increase contributions to humanitarian programs in Afghanistan. However, the response from key contributors has been slow, leaving the agency in a precarious position. With each passing day, the number of people affected by malnutrition continues to rise, and the window for effective intervention is shrinking. Local authorities and aid workers have expressed concern over the long-term implications of the crisis. They warn that without urgent and sustained support, the consequences could be catastrophic, both for Afghanistan and the broader region. The situation highlights the fragility of the country’s already strained systems and the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further deterioration. As the crisis escalates, the need for immediate and substantial aid becomes ever more pressing.