MSF Reports More Than 30 Percent Rise in Severe Child Malnutrition in Southern Afghanistan

Doctors Without Borders has reported a more than 30 percent increase in severe acute malnutrition cases among children in Helmand and Kandahar provinces from January to April 2026 compared with the prior three-year average.

The organization said more than 1,500 children were admitted with severe malnutrition to Bost Provincial Hospital in Helmand during the period, more than double the 2022 figure. In Kandahar, over 570 children were admitted, of whom 300 were referred for additional care. Many arrived in critical condition after delays in treatment.

MSF warned that rising malnutrition is increasing tuberculosis risk among children, with the two conditions reinforcing each other in a cycle. The group operates inpatient and outpatient malnutrition treatment centers in both provinces and urged families to seek early medical attention for signs of the condition.

It attributed the increase to reduced international aid, ongoing drought, economic problems, and the closure of 445 health facilities since early 2025. Diagnostic challenges and low public awareness were also cited as factors complicating response efforts.