WFP Country Director Warns Lives of 4 Million Afghan Children at Risk from Malnutrition

John Aylieff, the World Food Programme country director in Afghanistan, warned of a severe malnutrition crisis, stating that the lives of 4 million children are at risk due to devastating reductions in aid.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Aylieff said the organization now must turn away three out of every four people seeking assistance due to insufficient funding. He described the situation as unprecedented, noting he had never seen anything like it in more than 30 years as a humanitarian worker.

According to an Associated Press report, 17.4 million people in Afghanistan face acute hunger, but the World Food Programme can now assist only 2 million, providing them with reduced food rations.

Aylieff attributed the funding shortfall to stretched donor budgets amid global humanitarian emergencies, including famine in Sudan and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He said the program's Afghanistan budget reached $600 million in 2024 following generous contributions but was halved last year, with expectations of just $200 million this year. He emphasized that this amount is insufficient to address hunger spiraling out of control.

UNICEF has previously reported rising malnutrition cases among Afghan children, warning that the condition can increase child mortality risk by up to 12 times.