Food insecurity and reduced access to safe water are beginning to take their toll in the 10 worst affected provinces, where 20 to 30 percent of water sources are reportedly dry.
Without adequate nutritious food and safe water for drinking, as well as for hygiene and sanitation, children’s health will only worsen.
The impact of the drought couldn’t come at a worse time, as cases of severe acute malnutrition – seasonal malnutrition – rise on average by about 25 percent each year in the coming summer months.
“Preventing malnutrition is already a priority in Afghanistan,” said Khodr.
The impact of malnutrition can last a lifetime, which is why it’s critical that we identify and treat at risk children now,” Khodr added.
The UNICEF led water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) cluster has indicated that some 875,000 people could need assistance in the next three to six months.
UNICEF and partners are scaling up their operations to respond to the emergency nutrition and WASH needs.
UNICEF Afghanistan is calling for an additional US$10 million to respond to the needs of children and their families.
This includes to: • Provide safe water for 200,000 people and hygiene assistance, including chemicals for water treatment and hygiene kits.
UNICEF also calls on all parties to the conflict to provide safe access for families seeking essential health services and for humanitarian workers to reach children and families in need of lifesaving support.