Kabul, April 27: Afghanistan has been ranked as the fifth most affected country by hunger in the world. This information comes from a report released on Sunday by local media sources.
According to the ‘Global Food Crisis 2026′ report published by United Nations agencies, the European Union, and other partners, approximately 17.4 million people, or about 36 percent of Afghanistan’s population, are facing a severe food crisis. Among them, 4.7 million individuals are living in extremely critical conditions, akin to emergencies or near-famine situations. Countries with worse hunger conditions than Afghanistan include Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, and Yemen, as reported by the Afghan news agency Khama Press.
Globally, in 2025, around 266 million people in 47 countries faced severe food insecurity, a figure nearly double that of 2016.
The report emphasizes that hunger is no longer a temporary issue; it has evolved into a significant and persistent global problem.
Key factors contributing to this situation include war, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. These challenges disproportionately affect poorer and crisis-stricken nations.
Continuous economic decline, unemployment, drought, and reduced international aid have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. As a result, millions are now solely reliant on food assistance.
Aid agencies warn that without sustained support and access, the hunger situation in Afghanistan could deteriorate further. This could have long-term negative impacts on children, livelihoods, and the country’s stability.
On March 4, the World Food Programme (WFP) stated that Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe hunger crises. The same report indicated that malnutrition is rapidly increasing in the country, putting thousands of children at serious risk.
The WFP noted that ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan is hindering vulnerable communities’ access to health services and aid. The agency cautioned that if hostilities continue, already impoverished and hungry families could find themselves in even more dire circumstances.
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