Afghanistan WFP aid cuts mean 3 in 4 children may not get food help starting March 2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan is cutting aid. This means 3 out of 4 children needing food help might not get it, which is a much bigger problem than before.
By Newsroom | Humanitarian Aid, Afghanistan |

Afghanistan is facing a severe hunger crisis, with critical aid programs at risk due to funding shortfalls. The World Food Programme (WFP) is struggling to meet the needs of the population, particularly children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. This situation threatens to worsen existing malnutrition and food insecurity across the nation.

Afghanistan faces catastrophic hunger crisis as aid cuts force the WFP to turn away 3 in 4 children - 1

Stark Realities of Widespread Hunger

Reports indicate that the World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to turn away a significant number of children in need of aid. This occurs as funding for vital humanitarian programs faces sharp reductions. The consequences are dire, with families struggling to access even basic nutritional support.

Afghanistan faces catastrophic hunger crisis as aid cuts force the WFP to turn away 3 in 4 children - 2

  • A toddler, critically ill and receiving oxygen, highlights the severity of malnutrition.

  • Women express feelings of abandonment, questioning the international community's solidarity.

  • The WFP is often the sole source of support for families unable to afford nutritious food.

Funding Cuts Undermine Essential Programs

Reduced funding directly impacts crucial WFP initiatives designed to combat malnutrition and support vulnerable groups.

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  • Emergency Food Assistance: Families selected for aid may not receive the full rations or cash needed.

  • Malnutrition Treatment: Programs aimed at treating and preventing malnutrition are jeopardized.

  • Support for Women and Children: School feeding programs and vocational training for women are under threat.

  • Specialized Nutrition: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, along with young children, risk not receiving essential nutritious food.

Impact on Families and Livelihoods

The effects of aid cuts are compounded by economic hardship and restrictions on women's ability to work.

Afghanistan faces catastrophic hunger crisis as aid cuts force the WFP to turn away 3 in 4 children - 4

  • Many families have limited income, with some men unable to work due to age or weakness.

  • The ban on women working has led to unemployment, affecting household incomes and causing distress.

  • Even small additional expenses, like electricity bills, create significant burdens for struggling families.

Circumstantial Evidence of Widespread Need

  • Is it accurate that nearly three-quarters of children requiring assistance are being turned away by the WFP?

  • Do families receive only half the food needed to prevent malnutrition, as suggested by reports concerning pregnant and breastfeeding women?

  • With the ban on women working, have income streams been severely limited for many households?

Expert Analysis

"Providing health services is an inalienable right for all people," stated Zaman.

Aylieff questioned, "Those same women are asking us, where is the solidarity of the international community?”

These statements underscore the human element of the crisis, emphasizing the fundamental right to health and the reliance of vulnerable populations on external support. The implied sentiment suggests a growing concern about international commitment to alleviating suffering in Afghanistan.

Read More: New Report Shows Problems with Delivering Aid Around the World

Conclusion and Implications

The evidence points to a severe and worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, primarily driven by significant cuts in aid funding. The World Food Programme, a critical lifeline for millions, is facing immense pressure, leading to reduced assistance for those most in need, including children and women. The long-term implications of these cuts could include increased rates of malnutrition, exacerbated poverty, and further social instability. Without a substantial and sustained injection of funds, the situation is likely to deteriorate, impacting the health and well-being of a large segment of the Afghan population.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are children in Afghanistan not getting enough food help from the WFP starting March 2025?
The World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan has cut its aid programs because it is not getting enough money. This means they cannot help as many children as before.
Q: How many children needing help might not get food from WFP in Afghanistan from March 2025?
Reports say that about 3 out of every 4 children who need food help from the WFP might not get it because of the money problems.
Q: What happens to families in Afghanistan when WFP aid is cut?
Families in Afghanistan are struggling to find food. The WFP is often their only help, so when aid is cut, they have less food and can't buy nutritious meals, making malnutrition worse.
Q: Besides children, who else is badly affected by the WFP aid cuts in Afghanistan?
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also at risk. They need special food to stay healthy and help their babies, but these programs are also threatened by the lack of money.
Q: What is the main reason for the WFP's reduced help in Afghanistan starting March 2025?
The main reason is that the WFP has received less money from donors. This lack of funding means they have to reduce the amount of food and cash assistance they can give to people in need.