Afghan children are facing increased risk of death from hunger and malnutrition as U.S. foreign aid funding cuts force the shutdown of vital humanitarian programs, according to international aid officials, reports AP.
The warning came from Action Against Hunger, which reported on Tuesday that its operations in Kabul and Badakhshan province—providing emergency nutrition for children—have ceased due to the abrupt end of U.S.-backed funding.
The organization initially paused U.S.-funded efforts in March but continued essential services using internal funds. Those resources have now run out. The group’s therapeutic feeding unit in Kabul, once a critical lifeline for malnourished children, is closing this week with no patients and staff contracts ending.
“If we don’t treat children with acute malnutrition, there is a very high risk of death,” said Cobi Rietveld, the group’s country director. “No child should die because of hunger.”
More than 3.5 million Afghan children are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2025—a 20% rise from last year—amid worsening poverty, ongoing conflict, and climate-related shocks. The U.S. provided 43% of all international humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in 2024, making its withdrawal particularly devastating.
Other NGOs in Afghanistan are facing similar funding shortfalls, raising fears that even more children could be left without access to food or medical care.
Dr. Abdul Hamid Salehi, a local physician, described the heartbreak of mothers unable to help their children. “People used to come in large numbers. Now, they’re still waiting and hoping for the funding to return.”
Services at the feeding center were provided free of charge and included three meals a day for patients. With few alternatives available, malnourished children are now being referred to other facilities, which often lack the expertise or capacity to provide adequate care.
“This is a humanitarian emergency,” said Rietveld. “If we don’t fight hunger, people will die of hunger.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
