日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — unicef-warns-escalating-malnutrition-crisis-afghanistan
UNICEF Warns of Escalating Malnutrition Crisis in Afghanistan Affecting 3.7 Million Children
REL_TIME: 26 Aug 2026 14:14Z · LANG: EN
UNICEF has issued a critical warning regarding a worsening malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan, where approximately 3.7 million children are suffering from wasting. Among these, nearly 1 million children face life-threatening severe acute malnutrition and are at imminent risk of death. The crisis heavily impacts the youngest, with infants under six months representing nearly 40% of hospitalizations with complications, and children under two accounting for over 80% of severe cases. Compounded by climate shocks, economic collapse, the return of 6 million Afghans since 2023, and severe international funding cuts, essential treatment services are being forced to close just as hospital admissions surge.
// Background
Afghanistan has suffered decades of conflict, civil war, and chronic hunger. Following the withdrawal of US-led forces and the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the country experienced a severe economic collapse. This has been compounded by successive years of climate shocks, including droughts, heavy rainfall, and flash floods, alongside the return of over 6 million Afghans from neighboring countries since 2023, which has severely strained local resources, jobs, and healthcare infrastructure.
// Key Developments
- An estimated 3.7 million Afghan children suffer from wasting, with nearly 1 million facing life-threatening severe acute malnutrition.
- Infants under six months make up nearly 40% of hospital admissions for severe wasting with medical complications, while children under two account for over 80% of severe cases.
- Hospital admissions for severe acute malnutrition with complications rose by one-third, from 6,000 in July 2025 to 8,000 in July 2026.
- More than 100 treatment sites for severe wasting have closed in 2026 due to resource constraints and international aid cuts.
- UNICEF's nutrition program in Afghanistan is facing a severe funding shortage, with only 22% of its required $180 million budget secured.
// Timeline
-
The Taliban returns to power, triggering an economic collapse and a reduction in international development aid.
-
An influx of returning Afghans begins, with 6 million people returning by 2026, straining local resources.
-
Hospitals record approximately 6,000 admissions for severe acute malnutrition with medical complications.
-
Over 100 severe wasting treatment sites and hundreds of nutrition support centers close due to funding cuts; UNICEF's nutrition program remains only 22% funded.
-
Admissions for severe acute malnutrition with medical complications rise by one-third to over 8,000 cases.
-
UNICEF Representative Tajudeen Oyewale briefs the media in Geneva from Kabul, warning that 1 million children are at risk of dying.
// Perspectives
[UNICEF]
Advocates for urgent funding to close the 57% nutrition sector gap and prevent the deaths of 1 million severely malnourished children.
[Hospital and Healthcare Workers in Southern Afghanistan]
Grappling with severe resource constraints, managing overcrowded facilities with up to four patients per bed.
// Quotes
“In parts of southern Afghanistan, some hospitals are now seeing three or four severely malnourished children for every available bed.”
“At precisely the moment when the needs are increasing, the services available to children are being reduced due to funding cuts.”
“If there is no treatment and we are not able to act fast, that one million number are at risk of dying.”
