How Did an Afghan Mother Lose Her Three Sons to Starvation?

A heartbreaking crisis in Afghanistan is driving a surge in child malnutrition and mortality, with families facing extreme hunger and inadequate healthcare. The situation is exacerbated by the Taliban's policies and a severe decline in international aid, leaving millions of children at risk.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding the Crisis of Child Malnutrition in Afghanistan

In recent months, Afghanistan has been grappling with an unprecedented crisis of child malnutrition, which has resulted in the deaths of numerous infants and young children. Families like that of Ghulam Mohiddin and Nazo, who lost all three of their children to malnutrition, exemplify the devastating human cost of this emerging catastrophe. The alarming rise in malnutrition has been attributed to a combination of factors including economic collapse, severe drought, and the restrictive policies of the Taliban government.

Key Takeaways

• The UN reports a significant increase in child malnutrition across Afghanistan.
• Families are facing extreme food insecurity, with many going without meals.
• International aid has sharply declined, exacerbating the crisis.
• The Taliban's policies are hindering humanitarian assistance efforts.
• Healthcare access is limited, leading to increased child mortality rates.

The Human Cost of Malnutrition

The tragic stories of families like Ghulam and Nazo reveal the heart-wrenching consequences of a failing economy and lack of assistance. The couple's experience illustrates the pain of losing three children in just two years to malnutrition-related conditions. “Can you imagine how painful it’s been for me to lose three children?” Nazo expressed, capturing the profound grief experienced by many parents in similar situations.

The Silent Epidemic of Child Deaths

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Afghanistan has entered a phase of extreme hunger, affecting millions of children. The agency reported that over three million children are at risk due to the soaring rates of malnutrition. As families struggle to find food, child mortality rates are rising alarmingly, with many deaths going unrecorded.

Declining Aid and Its Consequences

The situation has been worsened by a dramatic decline in international aid, particularly following the withdrawal of US support. With eight or nine other donors also reducing their contributions, the WFP has warned that it can no longer provide assistance to those in need. The loss of food aid has lifted the “lid” on hunger, leading to a surge in malnutrition rates among the most vulnerable groups.

Impact of Sanctions and Taliban Policies

The Taliban's government has faced criticism regarding its handling of the humanitarian crisis. While they have claimed to expand assistance to citizens, their policies on women's rights and the prohibition of women working for NGOs have significantly hampered aid delivery. Suhail Shaheen, the head of the Taliban’s political office, stated that sanctions and aid cuts are the primary reasons for the increasing hunger, rather than government actions.

The Role of Drought and Economic Collapse

In addition to the decline in aid, a severe drought has devastated agricultural productivity, further contributing to food shortages. More than half of Afghanistan's provinces have been affected, crippling families that rely on farming for their livelihoods. The forced return of over two million Afghans from neighbouring countries has compounded the issue, as these individuals are unable to send remittances home to support their families.

Evidence of Suffering in Sheidaee

In the Sheidaee settlement, where Ghulam and Nazo reside, the impact of malnutrition is visible. Villagers reported that nearly two-thirds of the graves in the local cemetery belong to children, a grim testament to the scale of the crisis. This graveyard, only two to three years old, has become a stark reminder of the silent epidemic claiming the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable.

Desperate Measures to Cope

As families struggle to make ends meet, many resort to desperate measures. Hanifa Sayedi, a mother of three, shared her experience of malnutrition affecting her one-year-old son. With limited resources, she is forced to feed her child dry bread soaked in tea, and when he struggles to sleep, she gives him medications not suitable for young children. Such actions underscore the desperation faced by families trying to survive amidst overwhelming odds.

Healthcare Challenges and Child Mortality

Access to healthcare remains a significant barrier for those affected by malnutrition. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and malnutrition wards are filled to capacity. The case of three-month-old Sana, who suffered from malnutrition and acute diarrhoea, highlights the dire conditions faced by many children. Tragically, many infants like her do not survive, as evidenced by the deaths of several babies in a single hospital ward.

The Urgent Need for Support

As winter approaches, the situation is expected to worsen. The WFP has warned that its humanitarian funding will run out in November, leaving many vulnerable families without assistance. The urgency of the crisis necessitates immediate action from the international community to prevent further loss of life.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased international aid, a focus on sustainable agricultural practices, and a commitment to improving healthcare access are essential. Additionally, the Taliban must be held accountable for their policies that hinder humanitarian efforts, and international pressure may be necessary to facilitate change.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The heartbreaking stories from Afghanistan illustrate a humanitarian disaster that demands urgent attention. The plight of families like Ghulam and Nazo serves as a reminder of the human toll of political decisions and economic collapse. As the international community grapples with various crises, it is crucial that Afghanistan does not fall further into despair. The future of millions of children hangs in the balance, and immediate action is essential to avert further tragedy.

FAQs

What is causing the rise in child malnutrition in Afghanistan?

The rise in child malnutrition in Afghanistan is primarily due to a combination of economic collapse, severe drought, and a significant decline in international aid, alongside restrictive Taliban policies.

How many children are at risk of malnutrition in Afghanistan?

Currently, over three million children in Afghanistan are at risk of malnutrition, according to the World Food Programme.

What role does the Taliban play in the humanitarian crisis?

The Taliban's policies, particularly regarding women's rights and aid delivery, have severely hindered humanitarian assistance, contributing to the ongoing crisis of hunger and malnutrition.

What can international donors do to help Afghanistan?

International donors can increase aid, support sustainable agricultural practices, and advocate for policy changes that allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need effectively.

Why is healthcare access limited for malnourished children in Afghanistan?

Healthcare access is limited due to a lack of resources, overwhelmed facilities, and the ongoing economic crisis, making it difficult for families to seek necessary medical care for their malnourished children.