The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan welcomes a critical €13 million contribution (US$15 million) from the European Union to support half a million vulnerable people for three months with emergency assistance.
Through this funding, WFP will provide 2,500 metric tons of food to families suffering from acute hunger; €9 million (US$10 million) in cash for food to help households buy food locally; and 750 metric tons of specialized nutritious food to treat life-threatening malnutrition in over 85,000 children.
"Hunger and malnutrition are devastating vulnerable families in Afghanistan, many of whom are struggling to survive," said François Goemans, head of the European Union's humanitarian aid office in Afghanistan. "With drought conditions and a harsh Afghan winter approaching, needs are expected to rise sharply, pushing even more families into destitution. The EU stands in solidarity with the most vulnerable women, men, girls, boys and children of Afghanistan in these difficult moments."
Afghanistan is facing a historic surge in child malnutrition. In 2025, 3.5 million children are malnourished - half a million more than last year, equating to one child becoming malnourished every ten seconds.
"This is the sharpest rise in child malnutrition ever recorded in Afghanistan," said John Aylieff, WFP Country Director in Afghanistan. "It coincides with a steep reduction in emergency food assistance to families and the forced return of Afghans from neighbouring countries. With 1.6 million more mouths to feed and fewer remittances, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Thanks to partners like the European Union, WFP is stepping up at a time of heightened crisis."
Since 2021, the European Union has contributed over €290 million to WFP operations in Afghanistan, making it one of WFP's top five donors in 2025. This sustained support has enabled WFP to deliver life-saving assistance to millions of Afghans across the country.
