Afghanistan child malnutrition crisis deepens

Afghanistan is facing a worsening child malnutrition crisis as funding shortfalls force cuts in food distributions and other support. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported on August 4, 2026, that child malnutrition has reached critical levels in a third of Afghanistan's provinces, a record number. Nearly 3.7 million Afghan children are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, along with 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women. WFP said 142 health centers closed in 2025 due to aid reductions, and more than 13,000 children lost access to nutrition treatment. Supply shortages linked to conflict in the Middle East and the nine-month closure of Pakistan's border have disrupted deliveries of nutrition products, leaving nearly one million malnourished women and children without essential services for five months. From August through October, food distributions aimed at preventing famine in the worst-hit areas are being suspended due to lack of funding. WFP urgently needs $540 million over the next six months. UNICEF's report 'Too Little, Too Late: The Diet Crisis Facing Young Children in Afghanistan' highlighted that 3.7 million children under five are at heightened risk of malnutrition, with children under two accounting for 83% of severe acute malnutrition cases. The crisis is driven by food insecurity, poor diets, disease outbreaks, low immunization, inadequate water and sanitation, and reduced humanitarian funding. The UN humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan is just over 26% funded, which is alarming.