What's happened
In Afghanistan, severe cuts to US aid have led to the closure of malnutrition treatment centers, leaving millions of children without critical care. Action Against Hunger reports that the funding freeze has resulted in layoffs and increased risks of malnutrition-related deaths among vulnerable populations.
What's behind the headline?
Key Issues
- Funding Freeze: The US has halted foreign assistance, significantly impacting NGOs like Action Against Hunger, which relied on this funding to operate treatment centers.
- Child Malnutrition: With 3.5 million children suffering from acute malnutrition, the closure of treatment facilities poses a dire threat to their survival.
- Long-term Consequences: The loss of specialized care will likely lead to increased mortality rates among malnourished children, affecting future generations.
Implications
- Humanitarian Response: The situation underscores the fragility of Afghanistan's healthcare system, which is already strained by years of conflict and economic instability.
- International Responsibility: The cuts raise questions about the US's commitment to humanitarian aid and the potential for increased suffering among the most vulnerable populations.
- Future Outlook: Without renewed funding, the humanitarian crisis is expected to escalate, necessitating urgent international intervention to prevent further loss of life.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, the closure of malnutrition treatment centers in Kabul has left many children without care, with Cobi Rietveld from Action Against Hunger stating, "If they don't get treatment, there's an extreme high risk of dying." The Independent highlights that over 3.5 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, an increase of 20% from 2024, emphasizing the dire need for continued support. Meanwhile, the New York Times reports on the broader implications of US aid cuts, noting that the withdrawal of funding has exacerbated existing health crises, including cholera outbreaks in South Sudan, illustrating a pattern of humanitarian neglect that could have global repercussions.
How we got here
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has worsened due to decades of conflict and recent US aid cuts, which have halted essential services. Over half the population requires humanitarian assistance, with malnutrition rates among children reaching alarming levels.
Go deeper
- What are the long-term effects of malnutrition in children?
- How can international aid organizations respond to this crisis?
- What is the current situation for families in Afghanistan?
Common question
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How are US aid cuts affecting children in Afghanistan?
The recent cuts to US aid have had a devastating impact on children in Afghanistan, particularly in terms of health and nutrition. With the closure of malnutrition treatment centers, millions of vulnerable children are at risk. This page explores the implications of these aid cuts and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
More on these topics
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization which originated in France and is committed to ending world hunger.