UN expects deaths of 1 Million Afghan infants in winters. The chilling season brings in a new challenge for Afghans. They are already gripped with severe economic challenges. However, the winters bring a new issue for Afghans. Every week, there are 60 infants coming in as patients in Doctors Without Borders (MSF) run facility in a single town of Western Afghanistan i.e. Herat. Yet, there are other areas where winter is more chilling. And most importantly, they do not have the resources to get food for adults, leave aside the infants or children.
The United Nation’s children focused agency UNICEF claims that 3.2 million children will suffer from malnutrition in Afghanistan during winters. These children are mostly under the age of 5. This gripping challenge is affecting the lives of Afghans everywhere.
Malnutrition in Afghanistan
An AFP story shares the ordeal of Afghan mothers combatting with this cruel situation. A woman claims that she is unable to breastfeed her child; she doesn’t have enough milk. She wants to but powdered milk for her child. But, the economic resources do not allow it. And then, there is this chilling weather where a human body needs more nutrition to combat the body needs. It also results in significant mental health issues for these mothers who see their infants die in front of their eyes.
MSF’s Project Coordinator Christophe Garnier claims a number of readmissions in the MSF run clinics. This is due to the inability of Afghan mothers to provide nutrition to their children.
Results of US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan has several harsh results on Afghan economy, polity and social life. These includes infusing a western cultural sense in the Afghan nation. This could not continue after the US withdrawal. And those, who supported the United States, consider themselves deceived. They have nowhere to look towards. The same is the case in political terms. The political stalwarts of US brought political system in Afghanistan are nowhere to be seen. A few of the influential leaders such as Hamid Karzai exist within the people, yet without any political strength. However, the major dent to the Afghan nation is in terms of economic hurdles. The Afghan economy was being managed through international support which aided 75% of its total annual budget.
More from TNF: Here is the Complete History of Durand Line
Pakistan didn’t win in Afghanistan, it’s only celebrating Indian defeat
However, the US has frozen Afghan central bank’s access to their own funds amounting to $10 billion. This blockade is resulting into a major humanitarian crisis for both, Afghan children and adults alike. The Afghans are unable to manage their fiscal management due to the economic pressures after their funds are blocked across the board. The crisis is ending up in a quagmire for Afghan citizens who have nowhere to go.
Resultantly, several million Afghan population may face health challenges due to malnutrition. Out of which, approximately 1 million infants could die. The number of adults dying due to malnutrition is yet to be calculated.
Comments 2