The head of the World Food Programme in Afghanistan has raised concerns about the agency's ability to provide food assistance to the millions of Afghans in need due to cuts in international aid and a freeze in US foreign funding. With limited resources, only half of the 15 million Afghans in acute need of food are currently receiving rations, leaving over 6 million people struggling to afford more than one or two meals a day, often consisting of just bread and tea.
Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has been on the brink of an economic crisis, exacerbated by the freeze on development and security assistance and restrictions on the banking sector. Humanitarian aid has partially filled the gap, but funding cuts and concerns over Taliban restrictions on women have led to a decline in support from donors.
According to United Nations data, Afghanistan's humanitarian plan was only slightly over half funded in 2024, with fears that funding could decrease further this year. The recent 'stop-work' order issued by the US State Department on foreign assistance has raised additional uncertainties about the future of humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, as the US has been a significant donor, contributing over 40% of funding in 2024.
Despite the challenges, the World Food Programme is striving to reach female beneficiaries and their children, demonstrating their commitment to assisting vulnerable populations, including women, amidst the evolving political and humanitarian landscape in Afghanistan. While concerns persist about Taliban restrictions on women, humanitarian organizations are working to adapt and continue providing aid to those in need.
The complex operating environment in Afghanistan has presented numerous obstacles for humanitarian efforts, but organizations like the World Food Programme remain dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of the Afghan population, particularly women and children, who are among the most vulnerable in times of crisis.
