RASC News Agency: On Wednesday, December 20th, Ghebreyesus underscored the imperative of budget allocation to combat malnutrition, particularly among women and children, in Afghanistan. Presently, 13 million people in Afghanistan confront food insecurity. The World Health Organization’s plea for budget allocation to address malnutrition comes amidst estimates indicating that approximately 2.3 million children are grappling with moderate malnutrition. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a communication on the X social media platform, asserted, “13 million people in Afghanistan, constituting 30% of the total population, contend with acute food insecurity. Nearly one million children suffer severe malnutrition, and 2.3 million people experience moderately acute malnutrition.”
He highlighted that compromised immunity during harsh winter conditions exposes them to the peril of infectious diseases, and with restricted humanitarian aid deliveries, this figure is likely to escalate in the ensuing weeks and months. The World Health Organization necessitates sustained financial support, with an additional emphasis on their backing of medications and hospitals to avert further casualties among Afghanistani children and women due to malnutrition and the repercussions of food insecurity. Since the Taliban assumed control in Afghanistan, the economic landscape of the country has deteriorated. Afghanistanis have recurrently decried the absence of fundamental amenities under the Taliban regime, with the nation now heavily dependent on humanitarian aid.
According to Pajhwok News, the European Union pledged 10 million euros to the World Health Organization (WHO) in early November to fortify the health system and combat infectious diseases in Afghanistan. In accordance with a statement issued by the EU office in Kabul, this budget enhances preparedness and response systems for future disease outbreaks and augments health and nutrition emergency conditions. The organization emphasized that the enduring collaboration between the European Union and the World Health Organization has contributed to a more robust and adaptable healthcare system in Afghanistan.
