Malnutrition Crisis Claims Three Young Lives in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Malnutrition: Mother Buried Three Children Amidst Ongoing Crisis HERAT, AFGHANISTAN - In a heart-wrenching tale of loss and resilience, Ghulam Mohiddin and his wife Nazo have lost three children to malnutrition in the past two years. The couple's tragic story highlights the dire situation facing millions of children in Afghanistan, where an estimated 3 million are at risk of severe acute malnutrition. Ghulam and Nazo, who live in the Sheidaee settlement just outside Herat city, have been struggling to make ends meet. They break walnut shells for a living but receive no assistance from the Taliban government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). "Can you imagine how painful it's been for me to lose three children? One minute there's a baby in your arms, the next minute they are empty," Nazo said, her voice trembling with emotion. The couple's youngest child, Faisal Ahmad, passed away just three months ago. His brothers, Rahmat and Koatan, succumbed to malnutrition two years prior. All three children suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), a condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Malnutrition is a pervasive issue in Afghanistan, where conflict, poverty, and limited access to healthcare have created an ideal breeding ground for the problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SAM affects approximately 1 in 10 children under the age of five worldwide. In Afghanistan, however, the situation is particularly dire due to the ongoing conflict and lack of resources. "We watch helplessly as our children cry out of hunger," Ghulam said, his eyes filled with sadness. "It feels like my body is erupting in flames. It feels like someone is cutting off a part of me." The couple's story serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address malnutrition in Afghanistan. Experts stress that prevention and early intervention are key to combating the problem. "Malnutrition is often a symptom of deeper issues, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare," said Dr. Fatima, a pediatrician at Herat's main hospital. "We need to address these underlying causes to prevent malnutrition from taking hold in the first place." In the meantime, organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children are working tirelessly to provide emergency assistance to affected families. Their efforts include distributing food packets, providing medical care, and supporting local healthcare workers. As Ghulam and Nazo continue to mourn their lost children, they remain hopeful that one day, their babies will be reunited with them. "I hope every day that angels would somehow put my babies back in our home," Nazo said, her voice barely above a whisper. The international community must come together to support Afghanistan's efforts to combat malnutrition and ensure the well-being of its children. By doing so, we can prevent more families from experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing their loved ones to this preventable disease. Background: According to UNICEF, an estimated 3 million children in Afghanistan are at risk of severe acute malnutrition. Malnutrition is a leading cause of death among children under five worldwide, accounting for approximately 45% of all deaths in this age group. Conflict, poverty, and limited access to healthcare contribute significantly to the prevalence of malnutrition in Afghanistan. Next Developments: The international community will continue to provide emergency assistance to affected families through organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children. Local healthcare workers will receive support and training to help combat malnutrition. Efforts will be made to address underlying causes, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare. *Reporting by Bbc.*