Guterres: Aid shortage puts millions of Afghans at risk of food and medicine shortages

KABUL: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a warning in his latest quarterly report, stating that 9.5 million people in Afghanistan are facing severe food shortages, with 1.6 million in emergency situations. The report highlights that the World Food Programme managed to provide 50,000 metric tons of food and $31 million in cash assistance to 8 million Afghans between April and June. However, it indicates that due to budget cuts, the capacity for support has significantly diminished, currently allowing assistance for around one million individuals. The report also noted a 60% reduction in programs aimed at treating malnutrition among children and women, leaving 1.2 million children under five and about half a million women without essential healthcare. Afghanistan is classified as one of the world’s poorest countries, with millions still grappling with hunger and poverty under worsening conditions. In this report, the UN Secretary-General called on the international community to urgently provide assistance to alleviate hunger and save affected populations. He warned that without immediate action, these issues will deepen as winter approaches.