British aid agencies are launching a major appeal to help eight million people at risk of starving in Afghanistan.
Conflict, economic collapse, the worst drought in 27 years and Covid have brought the nation to the brink of disaster, the Disasters’ Emergency Committee said.
DEC members fear some children have already died and the lives of a million under-fives are in jeopardy as winter bites. Parts of Afghanistan can drop to -12C.
More than 22 million people – 55% of the population – are short of food, said DEC members.
They include Cafod, the International Rescue Committee, British Red Cross and Save the Children.
Hospitals are already low on supplies to treat malnourished mothers and children, the DEC said.
Chief exec Saleh Saeed added: “The situation in Afghanistan is now beyond horrific. A million children are at risk of dying this winter.
“Our members are on the ground and already helping but we urgently need to scale this work up.
“People are starving – eight million are on the brink of famine.
“We’re urging people to donate to help families feed their children.”
The DEC appeal will be broadcast across TV today. Government ministers have agreed to match public donations up to £10million.
The DEC said just £20 is enough to feed a family for a week.
