RASC News Agency: The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a significant contribution of $17.4 million from the European Union through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). This funding is aimed at addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in Afghanistan during the harsh winter months. In its official statement, the WFP emphasized the critical timing of this assistance, noting that approximately 15 million people in Afghanistan are grappling with acute hunger. The funds will enable the continuation and expansion of vital food assistance programs for vulnerable families, as well as specialized nutrition initiatives for mothers and young children.
Francois Guimont, the EU’s humanitarian aid coordinator for Afghanistan, remarked:
“While food security has seen slight improvements due to effective humanitarian interventions, Afghanistan remains a global hunger hotspot, with over a quarter of its population enduring severe food shortages.” He further noted that more than 75% of Afghanistanis are unable to afford a nutritious diet capable of meeting their essential dietary needs and preventing malnutrition. The WFP estimates that nearly 15 million Afghanistanis will face crisis-level or emergency-level food insecurity this winter. In response, the organization has initiated the distribution of food supplies to remote and snowbound communities, ensuring that these isolated areas receive critical aid.
Nevertheless, the WFP expressed deep concern over its ongoing financial challenges, which have significantly hampered its operations in Afghanistan. In 2024, the agency was able to provide lifesaving food assistance to only one million people per month, leaving an alarming 11 million individuals without essential support. This dire situation underscores the urgent need for sustained international contributions to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
