UNICEF Warns 19.2 Million People in Afghanistan Could Face Severe Food Insecurity This Winter
Bareen Media – An estimated 19.2 million people in Afghanistan are expected to face acute food insecurity during the coming winter, including nearly five million people at emergency levels of hunger, UNICEF has warned.
According to UNICEF’s September humanitarian report, the crisis is expected to affect the country between November 2026 and April 2027, as child malnutrition continues to worsen and humanitarian funding shortages threaten essential services.
The report says acute malnutrition among children has increased in 29 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. UNICEF estimates that approximately 4.04 million children aged between six and 59 months will need treatment for acute malnutrition in 2027.
UNICEF says that 21.9 million people, including 11.6 million children, require humanitarian assistance across Afghanistan.
UNICEF warned that shortages of therapeutic food and funding are threatening the treatment of malnourished children. By September 30, only 48 per cent of its $949.1 million humanitarian funding appeal had been secured, leaving a shortfall of approximately $491 million.
The situation has been further aggravated by the return of around 1.3 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan between January 1 and October 3, placing additional pressure on already overstretched public services.
UNICEF has urged continued humanitarian support to protect vulnerable families and ensure children have access to food, nutrition, healthcare, clean water and education.
