The World Food Program warned today, Monday, of a decline in donor funding that could drive parts of Afghanistan into famine this year. It added that up to nine million Afghans may be left without food aid after the program has already had to cut their food rations. A massive humanitarian aid package following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 helped avert widespread famine at that time, but concerns are now escalating again. The return of the Taliban to power has led foreign governments to cut development funding and impose sanctions.
Hsyiao Wei Li, director of the World Food Program in Afghanistan, stated: "Because of that, we were able to avert famine... If we are unable to provide that (again), we may face the worst-case scenario." The World Food Program currently faces a shortfall of $93 million for March and April, resulting in a 50% reduction in food rations for four million Afghans. Nine million more will lose access to food aid entirely next month if the program does not receive funding commitments in the coming weeks.
According to United Nations funding records, the World Food Program received about $1.7 billion last year for Afghanistan from dozens of governments and institutions. Major donors included the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Records did not specify which donors reduced funding this year.
