Hunger in Afghanistan - 29th November 2021

The situation in Afghanistan is getting worse. Millions are hungry. The World Food Programme is very concerned as winter is coming.

The World Food Programme says there are 3.2 million children who don't have enough to eat and are becoming ill. More than half the population, 22.8 million people, don't have access to food so they'll find it difficult to stay healthy.

Afghan farmers are suffering a terrible drought - it hasn't rained. This has been the worst drought in 27 years. And imported food is getting more expensive. Since June, the price of flour has increased by 31 percent and fuel by 27 percent.

The director of the World Food Programme is David Beasley. He's very worried about the future, "It is as bad as you possibly can imagine," he said. "95 percent of the people don't have enough food... The next 6 months are going to be... hell on Earth," he added.

The Taliban took over Afghanistan in August. They have prevented girls from attending school. So, western countries have now stopped giving aid.

David Beasley is demanding governments help. "We let any child die from hunger. Shame on us," he said.