Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the WFP, said Afghanistan was experiencing its worst malnutrition surge on record following climate-related disasters, a deadly earthquake and the return of millions of Afghans expelled from Iran and Pakistan.“It is a nutrition crisis here in Afghanistan,” Skau told AFP during a visit to the country.

“The surge last year was the worst we’ve ever seen. It’s worse this year.”The WFP estimated in January that around five million Afghan women and children would face life-threatening levels of malnutrition in 2026 in a country of more than 40 million people.

Afghanistan’s conflict-driven border shutdown with Pakistan, which has largely halted cross-border movement for nearly eight months, combined with economic fallout linked to the Iran war, has disrupted regional supply chains and pushed up prices for fuel and essential food commodities.

“If we weren’t struggling with the supply chain, both delays and costs, we would be able to feed a million more children here in Afghanistan,” Skau said.He said thousands of tons of fortified biscuits intended for Afghan schoolchildren had originally been scheduled to transit through Pakistan before border restrictions forced the WFP to reroute supplies through Dubai and Iran.

After conflict intensified in the Middle East, the agency was compelled to redirect shipments again through seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Georgia and Turkmenistan.“It’s about to arrive this week, but it’s taken months.

It cost us way more,” Skau said.Funding shortages have compounded the crisis. The WFP has secured only eight percent of its targeted funding for Afghanistan this year, limiting its ability to respond to escalating humanitarian needs.

Skau described visiting a rural clinic in eastern Afghanistan where women carrying severely malnourished children waited for hours seeking assistance, only to be turned away because aid stocks had run out.

“We did not have assistance to give them,” he said. “The desperation in the voice of these women will stay with me for a long time.”

The prolonged instability has disrupted hospitals, supply chains, and healthcare staffing, leaving millions reliant on emergency assistance and community-based support networks.

Healthcare challenges have intensified as displacement, food shortages, and weakened sanitation systems intersect, increasing the risk of disease and preventable illness.

Many regions are witnessing recurring outbreaks of communicable diseases, highlighting the fragile state of public health and the urgent need for coordinated medical support.

Health facilities across the country are operating under difficult conditions, with many clinics unable to function at full capacity due to shortages of equipment, medicines, and trained personnel.

Mobile clinics and temporary treatment centers have become essential lifelines, especially in remote and densely populated displacement areas.

The strain on the healthcare workforce has been severe, as doctors, nurses, and support staff face immense workloads while working with limited resources.

Despite these challenges, local medical professionals continue to provide care, often adapting creatively to ensure essential services reach vulnerable populations.

Displacement has played a major role in amplifying health risks, as families living in crowded conditions are more exposed to waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

Poor access to clean water and sanitation has further complicated prevention efforts, making early detection and treatment a priority for health responders.

Children and vulnerable groups are particularly affected, with nutritional deficiencies compounding the impact of illness and limited medical access.

Community health programs focusing on maternal and child care have become critical in reducing preventable complications and supporting long-term well-being.

International and regional aid organizations are working alongside local partners to deliver medicines, vaccinations, and emergency treatment where access allows.

These efforts have helped stabilize conditions in some areas, though the scale of need continues to exceed available resources.

Supply chain disruptions remain a significant obstacle, increasing the cost and reducing the availability of essential medicines and medical equipment.

Efforts to restore reliable distribution networks are seen as key steps toward rebuilding functional healthcare services nationwide.

Long-term recovery of Sudan’s health system will require sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and preventive care.

Strengthening primary healthcare and rebuilding damaged facilities are viewed as essential foundations for future resilience.

Community-led initiatives and diaspora-supported medical projects have emerged as important contributors, helping bridge gaps where formal systems are weakened.

These initiatives demonstrate the role of local engagement in maintaining healthcare access during prolonged crises.

Health experts emphasize that stabilizing public health conditions depends on consistent access to care, reliable funding, and coordinated humanitarian support.

Preventing further deterioration will require ongoing collaboration among medical providers, aid agencies, and community organizations.

While emergency assistance remains vital, attention is also turning toward recovery planning and sustainable health solutions.

Ensuring continuity of care for chronic conditions and preventive services is critical to protecting long-term population health.

The experience of recent years has underscored how closely health outcomes are linked to stability, infrastructure, and access.

Rebuilding Sudan’s health system is widely seen as a necessary step toward restoring community well-being and supporting future development.