vaticannews.va
2026-07-13
A new UNICEF report warns that 3.7 million children under the age of five in Afghanistan are at heightened risk of malnutrition, as worsening food insecurity and poor nutrition continue to threaten the lives of the country's youngest and most vulnerable.
Published on Monday, the report, Too Little, Too Late: The Diet Crisis Facing Young Children in Afghanistan, highlights an alarming deterioration in children's nutrition across the country, calling for urgent investment in preventive measures before the annual peak malnutrition season intensifies.
Afghanistan continues to face one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises following decades of conflict, economic collapse, and recurring climate shocks. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the country has experienced a sharp decline in international funding, widespread poverty, and increasing pressure on already fragile health and social services. Women and girls also continue to face sweeping restrictions on education, employment, and public life, compounding the challenges faced by families across the country.