Inside Afghanistan: millions of children suffering extreme malnutrition | BBC News

Summary

The BBC reports on a dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where millions of children suffer from malnutrition and poverty. In the last six months, 700 children have died in one hospital alone. The Taliban's policies, including restrictions on women working in aid agencies, have exacerbated the situation. International aid has been significantly reduced, leading to a halt in community nutrition programs. The crisis is further complicated by an alarming surge in stunting affecting 45% of Afghan children under five, and the international community faces challenges in delivering aid due to the Taliban's restrictions.

Takeaways

• 🇦🇫 Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis with millions of children malnourished and a significant number dying from hunger and disease.
• 🏥 In just one hospital in Afghanistan, 700 children have died in the past six months, highlighting the dire state of healthcare and nutrition.
• 🌐 The United Nations reports over 3 million Afghan children under five are malnourished, a figure exacerbated by the country's ongoing economic collapse.
• ⛔ The Taliban's restrictive policies, including limitations on women working in humanitarian agencies, have worsened the crisis by impeding aid delivery.
• 👶 The script describes the tragic stories of individual children, such as Zara and BB Hajra, who are battling malnutrition and related diseases.
• 📉 International aid to Afghanistan has been significantly reduced, with the UK cutting funds by around 50%, leading to a decrease in community nutrition programs.
• 🚫 The Taliban's recent laws further restrict women's participation, making it difficult for aid to reach the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.
• 🏠 Outside of hospitals, many children are dying silently in their communities due to lack of nutrition and basic healthcare.
• 📈 There's an alarming surge in stunting among Afghan children, with 45% of those under five affected, leading to potential long-term physical and mental damage.
• 💉 Despite the grim situation, there are instances where aid has made a difference, as seen with the recovery of 8-month-old Mujib, thanks to food and support from aid agencies.

Q & A

What is the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis with millions of children malnourished, and a significant number of child deaths in hospitals due to extreme poverty and the collapse of the economy after years of war.

How many children under five are malnourished according to the UN?

The UN reports that over 3 million children under five are malnourished in Afghanistan.

What has been the impact of the Taliban's takeover on aid delivery?

The Taliban's takeover in 2021 has made aid delivery more difficult due to their policies, including restrictions on women working with humanitarian agencies.

What are the factors contributing to the worsening situation for children in Afghanistan?

The situation is worsening due to a significant cut in international aid and the Taliban's relentless restrictions on women, leading to increased poverty and malnutrition.

How many children have died in one hospital in the last six months according to the report?

In the report, it is mentioned that 700 children have died in one hospital in just six months.

What is the current state of healthcare for children in Afghanistan?

Healthcare for children in Afghanistan is dire, with many dying from malnutrition and curable diseases, and healthcare facilities struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

What is the impact of the Taliban's policies on the health and nutrition of children?

The Taliban's policies, particularly those restricting women, have led to a halt in community nutrition programs, exacerbating malnutrition and child mortality.

What is the situation regarding stunting in Afghan children?

Stunting is alarmingly prevalent, affecting 45% of Afghan children under the age of five, which can lead to irreversible physical and mental damage if not treated.

How has international aid changed in the past two years to Afghanistan?

International aid to Afghanistan has been dramatically reduced, with major donors like the UK and the US cutting funds, leading to the cessation of many community nutrition programs.

What are the challenges faced by the international community in delivering aid to Afghanistan?

The international community faces challenges in delivering aid due to the Taliban's restrictions, the risk of funds reaching the Taliban government, and the increasing restrictions on women, which hinder aid distribution.

What is the role of community nutrition programs in preventing malnutrition?

Community nutrition programs play a crucial role in prevention by providing food supplies and support to families and children at risk of malnutrition, but these have been significantly reduced due to funding cuts.