Afghanistan's Hidden Crisis: Malnutrition Claims Three Young Lives

Afghanistan Malnutrition: Mother's Tragic Loss Highlights Country's Growing Crisis HERAT, AFGHANISTAN - In a heart-wrenching account of the devastating impact of malnutrition in Afghanistan, Ghulam Mohiddin and his wife Nazo shared their unimaginable loss with a BBC correspondent. The couple's three young children, Rahmat, Koatan, and Faisal Ahmad, succumbed to starvation over the past two years, leaving behind a trail of grief and despair. According to Nazo, "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." She expressed her hope that "every day that angels would somehow put my babies back in our home." The family's tragic story is not an isolated incident. Afghanistan is facing a severe malnutrition crisis, with over 3 million children at risk of starvation. The country's fragile healthcare system and ongoing conflict have exacerbated the problem. Ghulam Mohiddin and Nazo live in the Sheidaee settlement, just outside Herat city, where they eke out a meager living by breaking walnut shells. They receive no assistance from the Taliban government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). "It's like watching your children cry out of hunger, feeling helpless," Ghulam Mohiddin said. "It feels like someone is cutting my body into pieces." Malnutrition is a leading cause of death in Afghanistan, particularly among children under five years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition affects nearly 40% of children in the country. Background and Context Afghanistan's malnutrition crisis is rooted in decades of conflict, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare services. The country's fragile economy and limited resources have hindered efforts to address the issue. The Taliban government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with many accusing it of prioritizing military campaigns over humanitarian needs. Additional Perspectives Dr. Saeed Ahmad, a pediatrician at Herat Regional Hospital, emphasized the importance of early intervention in preventing malnutrition-related deaths. "We need to provide families with access to nutritious food and healthcare services," he said. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched an emergency appeal to address the malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan. The organization is working with local partners to distribute food aid, provide medical care, and support nutrition programs. Current Status and Next Developments As the situation continues to deteriorate, international organizations and governments are urged to increase their support for humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. In the meantime, families like Ghulam Mohiddin's are left to pick up the pieces of a devastating loss. In a statement, the BBC correspondent who interviewed Nazo said, "This story is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and malnutrition in Afghanistan. We hope that by sharing this account, we can raise awareness about the crisis and inspire action to support those affected." Sources Ghulam Mohiddin and Nazo (interviews) Dr. Saeed Ahmad (pediatrician at Herat Regional Hospital) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) *Reporting by Bbc.*