Afghanistan faces worsening humanitarian crisis amid drought and funding shortfall

The United Nations warned that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating sharply as prolonged drought and climate change exacerbate food insecurity. Severe water scarcity in Bamyan province has left fields dry and forced half of some villages to relocate, while families in remote areas survive on makeshift meals such as soup made from decayed potato peels.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that about 3.7 million Afghan children could suffer acute malnutrition in 2026, many of whom are not identified until it is too late. Restrictions on women’s and girls’ education imposed by the Taliban further limit access to health services and economic opportunities, deepening the crisis.

Humanitarian partners have reached 5.9 million people with at least one form of aid since January, including 3.5 million who received food assistance. Yet roughly 22 million Afghans still need support, and the UN’s $1.7 billion funding appeal has secured only 14 percent of the required resources.