Story perspectives

Winter Food Crisis: 17 Million Afghans Face Hunger

12/17/2025

Summary

Aylieff Urges Aid

The World Food Programme reports over 17 million Afghans face winter food insecurity, up from 14.8 million last year.
Nearly four million children are malnourished, and rising child mortality is expected.
Contributing factors include reduced humanitarian aid, drought, earthquakes, and return of 2.5 million migrants, many impoverished.
John Aylieff, World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, says $468 million is urgently needed to assist six million vulnerable people during this period.

History

Historical Context

The Afghan Famine Crisis of 2001, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and drought, left over 7 million people facing severe food shortages, with 3.5 million children malnourished. By 2022, 97% of Afghans were at risk of poverty, and today, over 17 million face food insecurity. The urgent need for $468 million in aid highlights the persistent humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan.

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Aylieff Urges Aid

The World Food Programme reports over 17 million Afghans face winter food insecurity, up from 14.8 million last year.
Nearly four million children are malnourished, and rising child mortality is expected.
Contributing factors include reduced humanitarian aid, drought, earthquakes, and return of 2.5 million migrants, many impoverished.
John Aylieff, World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, says $468 million is urgently needed to assist six million vulnerable people during this period.

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