Over Half of Afghanistan’s Young Children Face Severe Food Poverty

DID Press: UNICEF warned that more than half of Afghanistan’s young children are facing severe food insecurity, putting their health and development at serious risk.

Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, said the nutritional situation for young children in the country is alarming, with over 50 percent living under conditions of acute food poverty.

The UN children’s agency has previously emphasized that limited access to nutritious food threatens both physical and cognitive development and requires immediate intervention.

Oyewale also highlighted the growing consumption of commercial infant foods, noting: “The use of these products is increasing daily, and ensuring their safety and quality is of high importance.”

UNICEF, in collaboration with the UN Conference on Trade and Development, is monitoring imports of these foods to safeguard children health.