NUTRITION 

Afghanistan faces a critical nutrition crisis, shaped by a, widespread poverty, food insecurity, and repeated climate shocks. High levels of acute malnutrition persist among children under five years and pregnant and breastfeeding women, exacerbated by limited access to diverse diets, inadequate infant and young child feeding practices, and recurrent disease outbreaks. The situation is further compounded by poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, gaps in basic health and nutrition services. 

Save the Children places nutrition at the centre of its response, targeting children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBW) who are at high risk of malnutrition. We support the screening and treatment of 337,137 children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, achieving recovery rates in line with Sphere standards. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselling is integrated across health and nutrition platforms, reaching 52,362 caregivers with practical guidance on optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. 

In selected locations, we implemented the MAMI (Management of At-risk Mothers and Infants under six months) approach to address the interconnected health, nutrition, and wellbeing needs of vulnerable mother–infant pairs.