Cuts to U.S. Food Assistance Endanger Millions in Afghanistan with Famine
U.S. cuts to food assistance in Afghanistan threaten millions with famine, as the WFP warns it can only support half the people in need with reduced rations. A third of the Afghan population requires aid, and significant funding decreases exacerbate the crisis. Immediate donor intervention is crucial to alleviate the humanitarian situation.
The United Nations has indicated that recent cuts in U.S. food assistance could exacerbate an already severe hunger crisis in Afghanistan. The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that it can only provide aid to half of those in need and only in reduced portions. Mutinta Chimuka, the acting country director of WFP, has called on donors to enhance their support for the region, which is experiencing what is termed as the world’s second-largest humanitarian crisis.
Approximately one-third of Afghanistan’s population, which totals around 45 million, requires food assistance, with 3.1 million individuals facing the imminent threat of famine, according to UN reports. Chimuka highlighted that with the current resources, the WFP could only support about eight million people throughout the year if anticipated contributions from other donors are received. Due to a significant decrease in funding—40 percent globally for this year—the agency has been compelled to distribute half rations that fail to meet the recommended daily caloric intake.
Historically, the WFP has aimed to assist two million people during critical months to stave off famine, and Chimuka expressed serious concerns about this capability. The situation is intensified by ongoing declines in funding for Afghanistan, forcing the organization to manage limited resources judiciously. The agency’s standard rations are normally designed to provide a minimum of 2,100 kilocalories but are currently being halved in response to these constraints.
In summary, the cuts to U.S. food assistance pose a severe threat to millions in Afghanistan, highlighting a significant humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme’s ability to provide adequate support is significantly hampered by reduced funding and resource limitations. Urgent action from international donors is essential to prevent widespread famine and provide much-needed aid to a vulnerable population.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
Post Comment