UNICEF warns 3.7 million Afghan children face rising malnutrition risk

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Sunday that 3.7 million children under five in Afghanistan face an increased risk of malnutrition as the peak wasting season from July to September approaches.

Children under two hit hardest

UNICEF's report, Too Little, Too Late: The Diet Crisis Facing Young Children in Afghanistan, said reduced dietary diversity, skipped meals and children going hungry are early warning signs of undernutrition.

The organisation said wasting had worsened in 26 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces compared with 2025. Children under two account for 83% of severe acute malnutrition cases and 77% of moderate cases.

UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan Dr Tajudeen Oyewale said children were already being pushed towards malnutrition.

"Youth children in Afghanistan are being pushed closer to malnutrition before the peak season has even begun."

Oyewale said treatment must be supported by earlier prevention.

"Treatment saves lives, but we must also invest in prevention, starting with the diets of the youngest children and pregnant women."

Food insecurity raises wasting risk

Wasting means a child is too thin for their height, often because of food deprivation, illness or both. UNICEF said children living in severely food-insecure households are up to six times more likely to suffer wasting during peak periods.

The agency called for increased funding to protect children's diets and strengthen nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation, education and social protection services.

The World Food Programme says 17.4 million Afghans are projected to be severely food insecure, while 4.9 million mothers and children are expected to be malnourished in 2026.

AnewZ contacted an Afghan government spokesperson for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.

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