Afghanistan

Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe hunger crises, with one in five people not knowing where their next meal will come from. 

Afghans continue to grapple with the  consequences of four decades of conflict, compounded by an economic crisis, entrenched poverty, frequent environmental disasters, and increasingly erratic weather patterns and recurrent drought.

On top of these multiple challenges, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August, killing hundreds of people and injuring or otherwise affecting thousands more. The World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered fortified biscuits and other supplies to communities as part of a sustained response, though access is challenging amid a rugged terrain.

The country is experiencing the sharpest surge in malnutrition ever recorded, with 3.5 million girls and boys under 5 expected to be malnourished in 2025 – half a million more than last year. This is in addition to 1.2 million malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, who urgently need treatment.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the hunger crisis, as they are being pushed further to the fringes of society. The World Food Programme prioritizes women-headed families and continues to reach women and girls across the country with life-saving assistance.