The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that around 19 million people in Afghanistan are expected to face the risk of hunger as winter approaches.
Olga Cherevko, an OCHA spokesperson, said on Tuesday, October 20, that nearly 16 million people in Afghanistan are experiencing critical levels of food insecurity, while 3.4 million are facing emergency conditions.
She warned that continued Taliban restrictions on women and girls could lead to a shortage of 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 female health workers by 2030.
Cherevko added that malnutrition is directly linked to maternal health, access to healthcare, dietary diversity, education, and the ability to earn an income.
OCHA said poverty, unemployment, drought, and years of conflict have weakened families’ ability to secure sufficient food.
The agency emphasized that alongside continued humanitarian assistance, sustained investment in agriculture, employment, healthcare services, and economic opportunities is essential to reducing the crisis.
