Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health says more than three million people suffering from malnutrition have received treatment across the country over the past 11 months.

According to a report by TOLOnews on Monday, the ministry said the patients were mostly children, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women and were treated as part of nationwide efforts to tackle malnutrition.

Malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in Afghanistan, the report noted.

International humanitarian organisations have also warned that the situation could worsen in the coming years due to declining humanitarian assistance and persistent economic hardship.

They estimate that the number of malnourished women and children in the country could rise to about five million by 2026 if current conditions continue.

Health experts say malnutrition continues to affect many vulnerable families across Afghanistan, underscoring the need for sustained health services, expanded nutritional support programmes and increased public awareness on proper feeding and childcare practices.

(Xinhua/NAN)