Afghan mothers seek hospital help for malnourished children

Hospitals in Herat report hundreds of child malnutrition admissions each month, while aid agencies warn about four million Afghan children at risk of malnutrition this year.

Herat Regional Hospital is treating growing numbers of children with malnutrition at a therapeutic nutrition centre supported by Doctors Without Borders. Aid agencies say child malnutrition in Afghanistan has risen steadily over the past five years. Officials and medical staff report that cuts to international aid, drought and displacement have contributed to worsening food insecurity. The World Food Programme has launched a funding appeal to address urgent food needs. Key facts: - The Herat therapeutic nutrition centre admits on average about 315–320 malnourished children each month, according to staff supported by MSF (Doctors Without Borders). - Aid organisations report a steady rise in malnutrition over five years and estimate roughly four million Afghan children will be malnourished and require treatment this year. - Since 2021, reported drivers of the worsening situation include reductions in international aid, drought, and the economic effects of cross-border displacement. - The World Food Programme is seeking $390 million to feed six million people for six months, and agency officials have described funding prospects as limited. Summary: The rise in child malnutrition is placing strain on a small number of treatment centres and on families who often travel long distances for care. Hospital teams report providing therapeutic nutrition and psychological support to mothers while some children need additional medical attention. WFP's funding appeal is under way, and whether it secures sufficient resources to expand assistance remains uncertain.