One in 10 Afghan children under five malnourished, 45 percent stunted: UN
Al Jazeera
Poor nutrition rife in country plagued by economic, humanitarian climate crises over two years since Taliban’s return.
Roya carefully spoon-feeds her daughter fortified milk in a ward for malnourished children, praying the tiny infant will avoid a condition that stalks one in 10 children in Afghanistan after decades of conflict.
The nine-month-old had been hospitalised three times already in remote Badakhshan province because her mother had trouble breastfeeding.
“She has gained a bit of weight. She has a bit of a glow,” 35-year-old Roya said, cradling Bibi Aseya at the Baharak district hospital.
“She drinks milk as well, but she still doesn’t smile,” she added. “I would stay awake day and night. Now I can sleep.”
Poor nutrition is rife in a country plagued by economic, humanitarian and climate crises two and a half years since the Taliban returned to power.
