Acute Hunger in Afghanistan Reaches Record Levels
Afghanistan's hunger crisis hits 15.9m people with food insecurity worsening by winter.
In brief
Afghanistan's hunger crisis hits 15.9m people with food insecurity worsening by winter. Afghanistan's acute hunger reaches 15.9 million people with conditions expected to worsen through winter. Originally reported by Dawn.
Hunger Crisis
Acute malnutrition and hunger in Afghanistan have reached the highest levels ever recorded.
“15.9 million people facing acute food insecurity”
Record Levels
15.9 million people face acute food insecurity with conditions set to worsen in coming months.
“32 percent of population facing crisis-level acute food insecurity”
Winter Impact
Hunger levels expected to worsen from November to April with 19.2m people projected to face phase three or above.
“5 million people in emergency food insecurity conditions”
Child Hunger
4.04 million children under five projected to need malnutrition treatment between January and December 2027.
“4.04m children under five need treatment”
Human Rights Erosion
UNAMA reported continued erosion of basic human rights between July and September 2026.
“443 cases and 97 incidents of ill-treatment by virtue and vice inspectors”
Education Restrictions
Girls barred from formal education beyond grade six with Taliban citing Sharia law concerns.
“Taliban spokesperson said problems must be taken into account from sharia law perspective”
Hijab Violations
UNAMA documented 50 cases related to hijab violations mostly in Herat and Kabul.
“13-year-old girl held overnight for hijab violation”
Health Access
Women blocked from entering health clinics and markets without mehram.
“Women blocked from health clinics and markets without mehram”
Public Lashings
22 men and six women publicly flogged on charges including theft and adultery.
“Public lashings of 22 men and six women”
Arrests
14 former security force members arrested with at least four killed.
“Arrest of 14 former security force members”
Journalist Detention
Journalist arrested in July 2025 remains in custody without conviction.
“Journalist arrested in july 2025 remains in custody without conviction”
Demonstration Ban
New police law published in August bans all public demonstrations.
“New police law published in august bans all demonstrations”
WFP Appeal
World Food Programme calls for urgent funding to scale up food assistance and malnutrition treatment.
“We still have a window to act, but it is closing fast”
FAO Response
Food and Agriculture Organisation urges opportunities for dependable income to withstand next shock.
“Families need opportunities to earn a dependable living”
What matters most
Afghanistan's acute hunger reaches 15.9 million people with conditions expected to worsen through winter.
