Child Malnutrition on the Rise in Afghanistan

Officials at Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul report an increase in child malnutrition over the past two months, saying that three out of every ten children brought to the hospital are admitted due to severe malnutrition.

Mansoor, a physician at Indira Gandhi Hospital, said: “In the past two months, the number of malnutrition cases has increased. Every day, between 10 to 12 children suffering from malnutrition are brought here. Those in critical condition are admitted, while others who could be treated in local health centers are discharged due to lack of space and shortage of medicines for malnutrition.”

Another doctor, Pasarly Abdul Rahman, said: “Children born into poor families are more likely to suffer from malnutrition because they lack access to nutritious food and proper care.”

Parents of hospitalized children hope for their recovery and call on the Islamic Emirate for assistance.

Jamila, who brought her one-year-old son from Kunduz for treatment, said: “We didn’t know what his illness was, but now doctors say he is suffering from malnutrition.”

In another ward of the hospital, Nazila had brought her two young daughters from Ghorband for treatment. Both are suffering from malnutrition.

“Our economy is weak, that’s why our children become malnourished. If we had better financial conditions, they would eat properly and this wouldn’t happen. We ask the government to help us,” Nazila said.

This comes as international organizations have repeatedly expressed concern this year over the growing prevalence of malnutrition in Afghanistan.

The UN World Food Programme has also warned that 3.5 million children under the age of five, along with 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, are at serious risk of malnutrition.