Malnutrition Worsens Across Afghanistan, 12 Provinces Reach Critical Levels: OCHA

Malnutrition has worsened across much of Afghanistan, with conditions deteriorating in 26 provinces compared with 2025, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Monday. In a new report, OCHA described the country’s nutritional situation in 2026 as increasingly alarming, warning that rates of malnutrition have risen in multiple regions and are placing additional strain on already fragile health services. According to the report, 12 provinces; Helmand, Daikundi, Zabul, Baghlan, Uruzgan, Paktika, Nuristan, Sar-e-Pul, Ghor, Kandahar, Faryab and Logar are facing critical levels of malnutrition. OCHA said nearly 40% of infants under six months of age suffering from severe acute malnutrition accompanied by medical complications require hospitalization for treatment, increasing pressure on healthcare facilities and raising concerns about child survival. The agency warned that children under the age of two remain the most vulnerable group. They account for 83% of severe acute malnutrition cases and 77% of moderate acute malnutrition cases recorded across the country. In addition, approximately 19% of children classified with moderate acute malnutrition are considered at high risk of their condition worsening, highlighting the need for urgent intervention and expanded access to nutrition services. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that prolonged economic hardship, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and recurring climate-related shocks are contributing to rising levels of malnutrition among Afghan children and mothers. Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. United Nations agencies have repeatedly warned that millions of people remain dependent on humanitarian assistance amid widespread poverty, food insecurity, unemployment and the effects of recurring droughts and natural disasters. Funding shortages have also forced aid agencies to reduce or suspend some assistance programmes in parts of the country. Women and children remain among the groups most affected by the crisis. Aid agencies have repeatedly reported growing concerns over maternal and child health, rising rates of malnutrition and reduced access to essential healthcare services in several provinces. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations continue to call for increased international support for Afghanistan, warning that without sustained funding and improved access to aid, millions of people could face worsening food insecurity, health challenges and protection risks in the coming months. The post Malnutrition Worsens Across Afghanistan, 12 Provinces Reach Critical Levels: OCHA appeared first on Khaama Press.