KABUL: The United Nations (UN) humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has warned that 1.7 million children in Afghanistan are at risk of death due to severe malnutrition and termed the situation as "shocking."
In his remarks during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Wednesday, Fletcher stated that food insecurity has further exacerbated this winter, with many life-saving food distributions suspended. He further said that 1.1 million children do not have access to vital aid, leaving them extremely vulnerable, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported.
The UN official stated that 303 nutrition service centres have been shut due to funding shortage, further restricting emergency care for malnourished children. He said that ending restrictions on women and girls is critical for aid operations.