Climate Change Worsening Child Malnutrition Crisis in Afghanistan, UNICEF Says

The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Climate change is deepening the child malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan, the United Nations Children’s Fund has warned, citing growing environmental pressures on vulnerable communities.

In a recent statement, UNICEF said the increasing impacts of climate change are making living conditions more difficult for children and raising the risk of malnutrition across the country.

The agency expressed concern over the effects of extreme weather events, noting that prolonged drought, heavy rainfall and rising temperatures are undermining many families’ ability to meet basic food needs.

UNICEF officials said disruptions to food production and access, combined with limited availability of safe drinking water, are placing additional strain on already vulnerable communities, with children bearing the greatest impact.

The organization also highlighted that inadequate access to healthcare services and low vaccination coverage are exacerbating the risk of disease and malnutrition-related complications.

UNICEF stressed that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach that simultaneously tackles climate, health and humanitarian issues.