Over 700 Children Admitted to Afghan Hospital with Malnutrition in Past Year

The Samangan provincial hospital in Afghanistan has reported a staggering number of children admitted with malnutrition in the past year. According to hospital officials, over 700 children were admitted in the 1402 solar year, with 64 cases in the current month of Hamal alone. The head of the hospital stated that the total number of malnourished children hospitalized and discharged during 1402 was 716, and there are currently more than 50 patients, indicating a rise in the disease.

Families attribute the increase in malnutrition cases to poverty, economic challenges, and irregular nutrition of pregnant mothers. Factors such as poor economy, insecurity, lack of hygiene, and lack of spacing between births are also contributing to the malnutrition among children. Some caregivers have reported that the lack of proper food has led to the condition in their children.

The hospital is still treating a significant number of these malnourished children. The Public Health Department of Samangan has expressed concern over the substantial increase in the number of children suffering from malnutrition in the province.

Why this matters: The alarming rise in child malnutrition cases in Afghanistan highlights the dire humanitarian situation in the country. The ongoing economic crisis and food insecurity are having a severe impact on the health and well-being of the most vulnerable population, particularly children.

The situation in Samangan province is a sobering reminder of the broader food crisis in Afghanistan. At the start of 2024, Save the Children warned that one out of every three children in the country is suffering from hunger. The international community and humanitarian organizations must continue to focus on addressing the urgent needs of the Afghan people and providing support to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Key Takeaways

• Samangan hospital reports over 700 child malnutrition cases in 1402 solar year.
• Poverty, economic challenges, and poor nutrition of pregnant mothers are key factors.
• Hospital still treating a significant number of malnourished children in the province.
• Alarming rise in child malnutrition highlights dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
• 1 in 3 Afghan children suffer from hunger, requiring urgent international support.