Afghanistan

Afghanistan is facing a deepening hunger and malnutrition crisis. Nearly 40 percent of the population, or 19.2 million people, are projected to experience acute food insecurity during the 2026-2027 winter lean season, up from 17.4 million a year earlier.

Around 5 million people are expected to face emergency levels of hunger, requiring urgent assistance to prevent loss of life and livelihoods.  

Acute malnutrition is becoming an increasingly defining feature of the crisis. Around 4 million women and children are projected to require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2027, including 1 million severe cases. They remain particularly vulnerable as nutrition services struggle to keep pace with growing needs. 

The crisis is being driven by a combination of unemployment, high food and transport costs, the return of more than 1.2 million Afghans from neighbouring countries, and declining humanitarian assistance. 

While favourable rainfall has supported crop production and pasture recovery in 2026, many families still cannot afford a nutritious diet. As aid funding falls and needs continue to rise, more households risk being pushed deeper into hunger. 

Without urgent support, more families will face impossible choices as winter approaches and more children will be at risk of life-threatening malnutrition. 

The World Food Programme (WFP) urgently requires US$540 million through January 2027 to continue delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance across Afghanistan.