Afghanistan's Hidden Crisis: A Mother's Tragic Loss to Malnutrition

Afghanistan Malnutrition: The Mother Who Buried Three Children HERAT, AFGHANISTAN - In a heart-wrenching tale of loss and desperation, Ghulam Mohiddin's wife, Nazo, has spoken out about the devastating effects of malnutrition on their family. Over the past two years, the couple lost three children to starvation, leaving them with an unbearable grief. According to Nazo, 1-year-old Rahmat, 7-month-old Koatan, and most recently, 3-month-old Faisal Ahmad all suffered from severe malnutrition. "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 family lives in the Sheidaee settlement, just outside the city of Herat in western Afghanistan, where they break walnut shells for a living. Despite their best efforts, they struggle to make ends meet and often go without food themselves. The Taliban government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have not provided them with any assistance. Malnutrition is a growing concern in Afghanistan, where an estimated three million children are at risk of malnutrition-related illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Ghulam Mohiddin, Nazo's husband, expressed his frustration with the lack of support from local authorities and NGOs. "Watching helplessly as my children cried out of hunger, it felt like my body was erupting in flames. It felt like someone was cutting me into pieces," he said. The family's story highlights the urgent need for nutrition education and support services in Afghanistan. Experts recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to prevent malnutrition. Additionally, breastfeeding is crucial for infants under six months old, as it provides essential nutrients and antibodies that protect against infections. In response to the growing concern, international aid organizations are working with local authorities to establish nutrition programs and provide assistance to affected families. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched a campaign to raise awareness about malnutrition and its consequences, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. As Nazo continues to grieve for her lost children, she holds onto hope that one day they will be reunited in heaven. "I hope every day that angels would somehow put my babies back in our home," she said, her eyes filled with tears. Background: Afghanistan has been plagued by conflict and poverty for decades, leading to widespread malnutrition and related health issues. The country's healthcare system is severely underfunded, making it difficult for families like Ghulam Mohiddin's to access basic medical care. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Saeed Ahmad, a pediatrician at Herat Regional Hospital, emphasized the importance of nutrition education and support services in preventing malnutrition-related illnesses. "Malnutrition is a preventable condition, but it requires a concerted effort from local authorities, NGOs, and families themselves," he said. Current Status: The situation remains dire for families affected by malnutrition in Afghanistan. While international aid organizations are working to establish nutrition programs and provide assistance, more needs to be done to address the root causes of this crisis. Next Developments: As the situation unfolds, it is essential to continue raising awareness about malnutrition and its consequences. International aid organizations will continue to work with local authorities to establish nutrition programs and provide support services to affected families. *Reporting by Bbc.*