Afghanistan's Hidden Crisis: Four Million Children at Risk of Malnutrition and Death
Image Source: Internet
In the midst of a growing humanitarian crisis, Afghanistan is grappling with a staggering number of children at risk of malnutrition and death. For Najiba, a 24-year-old mother from Herat, the reality of not being able to feed her baby, Artiya, is a daily struggle. After suffering from pneumonia at three months old, Artiya's condition worsened, and his parents frantically searched for help. According to John Aylieff, Afghanistan director at the World Food Programme, women are sacrificing their own health and nutrition to feed their children. 'These mothers are watching their children succumb to hunger in their arms,' Aylieff said. The Herat Regional Hospital's therapeutic nutrition centre is one of the few medical facilities that can provide aid to these families. On average, 315-320 malnourished children are admitted each month, a number that has steadily increased over the past five years. The centre, supported by Doctors Without Borders, provides psychological support to mothers like Najiba, who are grappling with the emotional toll of not being able to feed their children. The crisis is expected to worsen this year, with four million children at risk of malnutrition. The World Food Programme is seeking $390 million to feed six million Afghans over the next six months, but the chances of securing such funds are 'so bleak,' Aylieff said. In a country with limited medical facilities, families often travel hundreds of kilometres to reach the Herat hospital. While the centre has been a lifesaver for some, such as Jamila, a 25-year-old mother who fears for her family's future if her husband is expelled from Iran, the reality of the crisis is stark. 'If my husband is expelled from Iran, we will die of hunger,' Jamila said, wrapped in a floral veil. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is urged to take action to prevent the deaths of thousands of children. The World Food Programme's plea for $390 million is a stark reminder of the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for support.
