Afghanistan's Hunger Crisis Deepens Amid Winter and Aid Cuts

Afghanistan is facing a severe hunger crisis, exacerbated by winter conditions and a significant wave of deportations from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 17 million Afghans are currently battling acute hunger, a situation worsened by cuts in international aid. The influx of over 2.5 million deported Afghans has increased the population by nearly 10%, placing additional strain on already fragile support systems.

Afghanistan’s winter deepens hunger crisis as aid cuts strain familiesThe Straits Times

The deportations, driven by security concerns and accusations against the Taliban, have thrust many families into dire circumstances. Samiullah, a 55-year-old man recently returned from Iran, described his family's transition from relative stability to living in a makeshift tent on the outskirts of Kabul. He stated, "We have reached a point where we are content with death," reflecting the despair of many deported migrants. The loss of remittances, which previously served as a financial lifeline, has left families struggling to secure even a single meal each day.

The Straits Times

John Aylieff, WFP's country director, noted that the lack of work opportunities during winter has compounded the crisis. He remarked that the previous year marked the highest surge in malnutrition recorded in Afghanistan, with predictions indicating that 200,000 more children could suffer from acute malnourishment by 2026. The situation is dire, with long queues forming at aid distribution sites, where supplies remain insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand.

The Straits Times

Healthcare facilities in Kabul are witnessing a dramatic increase in malnutrition cases. Dr. Rabia Rahimi Yadgari reported that the number of patients has doubled since the influx of deported Afghans began. Families that once relied on WFP aid and hospital support are now struggling to access necessary medical supplies. Laila, a mother of a malnourished child, expressed her frustration, stating that while her son showed signs of recovery, he quickly lost weight again due to inadequate resources.

The Straits Times

Afghan officials, including spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, have stated that efforts are being made to assist returning families with available resources, although they acknowledge the challenges posed by decades of conflict and economic collapse. Mujahid emphasized that eradicating poverty is a gradual process and cannot yield immediate results.

The Straits Times

While the WFP and various reports highlight the severity of the hunger crisis, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the exact number of families affected and the full extent of aid cuts. Additionally, discrepancies exist regarding the effectiveness of government responses to the crisis, with some sources indicating a lack of adequate support for the returning population.

Afghanistan’s winter deepens hunger crisis as aid cuts strain families

• “We have reached a point where we are content with death,” — Samiullah, Afghan returnee

The Straits Times

• “Life never remains the same.” — Laila, mother of a malnourished child

The Straits Times

• “Compared to the time when there were no migrants, the number of our patients has now doubled,” — Dr. Rabia Rahimi Yadgari, physician

The Straits Times

As winter deepens, families like Samiullah's continue to face the harsh realities of hunger and displacement, with survival measured in fleeting moments of warmth and meager meals.

Afghanistan’s winter deepens hunger crisis as aid cuts strain families