Kabul: Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest rates of stunting in children under five and 79 percent of its people lack sufficient access to clean water, said Daniel Timme, communications head for the UN children’s agency, UNICEF.

Malnutrition poses a significant threat to future generations in Afghanistan. With high rates of stunting among children under five and limited access to clean water, the country faces a crisis that could have long-term consequences.

Daniel Timme of UNICEF warns that if not addressed within the critical first two years of life, stunting becomes irreversible, severely hindering both physical and mental development.

The upheaval following the August 2021 rebellion has exacerbated the situation, leading to a decrease in international aid and a drain of medical professionals. NGOs highlight the particular vulnerability of women and children, who face additional challenges due to restrictions on movement, education, and employment. The fragility of Afghanistan’s health sector, as outlined in a recent report by Human Rights Watch, underscores the urgent need for intervention to prevent a crisis that could impact generations to come.

Culled from Afghanistan Times