Action Against Hunger says malnutrition treatment centers in Helmand can no longer accommodate all children in need, as the rising number of malnutrition cases has pushed these facilities to full capacity.
Following a week-long visit to Helmand, the organization’s country director, Kobi Rietveld, said on Wednesday, August 5, that the malnutrition treatment center in Lashkar Gah, originally designed to admit 45 children, had been expanded to 70 beds due to the growing number of patients. However, the additional capacity was filled within hours.
According to Rietveld, poverty, displacement, climate change, and funding shortages have worsened the hunger and malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan.
Action Against Hunger also warned that shortages of therapeutic food and medical supplies are creating serious challenges for treating malnourished children and placing additional pressure on vulnerable families.
The organization called on the international community and donors to provide urgent financial support to sustain and expand malnutrition treatment and prevention programs.
