The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on January 20, 2025, that the European Union (EU) has allocated $17.4 million (approximately €16.5 million) to support vulnerable groups in Afghanistan during the winter months.
This funding will enhance food assistance and nutrition programs for mothers and children, addressing the urgent needs of an estimated 15 million people facing food insecurity this winter.
The WFP has commenced food distribution in remote areas where access has been hindered by snow and cold weather. With this new funding, the UN aims to provide monthly food assistance to six million individuals throughout the winter.
Families will receive either food or cash to purchase food in local markets, and nutritious food will be distributed to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their young children to prevent or treat malnutrition.
Francois Guimons, head of EU humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, expressed concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, noting that despite improvements in food security, Afghanistan remains a hotspot for hunger in a world where over a quarter of the population is hungry.
According to the WFP, due to budget cuts, they have been able to assist only one million people monthly in Afghanistan during the first half of 2024, leaving at least 11 million others without support.
The EU has contributed a total of $92.5 million (about €86.3 million) to the WFP over the past two years for humanitarian assistance. Additionally, three days prior, the EU announced over $37 million (€36 million) to support internally displaced persons and Afghan migrants through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
On December 17, 2024, the EU signed an agreement with the UNHCR to provide assistance to internally displaced individuals in Afghanistan and Afghan migrants in Pakistan, Iran, and parts of Central Asia.
Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that various humanitarian programs in Afghanistan, including education, food assistance, health, nutrition, and shelter, face budget shortfalls from January to March 2025.
OCHA stated that more local market purchases are needed for humanitarian assistance, and additional funding is required for the transportation of these supplies. The humanitarian needs in Afghanistan remain high, with at least 22.9 million people expected to require aid in 2025, while only 16.8 million will receive assistance this year due to budget constraints.