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Afghanistan: WFP committed to averting humanitarian crisis as one in three people go hungry

Agency needs US$200 million to continue operations to end of the year
, WFP Staff
WFP Afghanistan
WFP armoured vehicles negotiate a narrow road in Badakhshan province's Arghanj Shwah district in in May. Since 2018, WFP has been assisting in the construction of a 7km water canal in this district. Photo: WFP/Arete/Andrew Quilty

 

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The World Food Programme (WFP) remains dedicated to maintaining its guiding principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and operational independence as it seeks to serve the people of Afghanistan – a country where one in three are going hungry.

That’s 14 million people, including 2 million children who are malnourished.  

Burqa
A WFP cash-assistance distribution point in Kabul in September 2020. Photo: WFP/Massoud Hossaini

The combined effects of drought and the coronavirus pandemic, on top of years of conflict, look set to worsen the food security situation.

WFP and its partners are committed to continuing humanitarian operations while maintaining the safety and security of staff and the people the organization serves. 

Despite security and logistics challenges, WFP maintains access to most of the country including areas experiencing active fighting.

Afghan Pipe
Built with WFP support, the 'Unity Canal' irrigates farmland for the communities in Takhar's Kalafgan district and Badakhshan's Keshm districts. Photo: WFP/Arete/Andrew Quilty
WFP Afghanistan
WFP trucks set off from Kabul in May to take wheat flour, to the provinces of Khost, Wardak and Ghazni. Photo: WFP/Arete/Andrew Quilty

In the first six months of this year, WFP delivered food and nutrition assistance to 5.5 million people, including people newly displaced by fighting. 

On 15 August in Kabul, WFP started assistance to more than 1,000 families – 7,000 people – displaced by conflict as its mobile teams registered more people in desperate need around the city.

WFP has been in Afghanistan for more than 60 years. Its trucks continue to be on the road while teams on the ground are working with partners to get food to where it’s needed.

“The Afghan people need our support now more than ever," the organization has said. “WFP is committed to stay and deliver as long as conditions will allow.” 

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A WFP-supported bakery in Kabul in 1998. Photo: WFP/Franco Pagetti

To continue operations, and get assistance to people in desperate need, WFP requires US$200 million to get through to the end of the year.

The organization expects to reach 14 million people by the end of the year. 

 

Click here to learn more about WFP's work in Afghanistan

 

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