KABUL, May 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 13 million people in Afghanistan are experiencing serious food insecurity as ongoing economic difficulties, unemployment and climate-related problems continue to affect livelihoods across the country, the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan has warned.

Afghan children are seen at a temporary refugee camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 21, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Local broadcaster Tolo news reported on Tuesday that rising living costs and recent regional tensions have contributed to higher food prices, further worsening conditions for vulnerable families.

The WFP also expressed concern over the sharp decline in supplies of specialized nutritious food used to treat malnutrition among women and children, saying increasing economic and humanitarian pressures are affecting aid operations.

According to UN estimates, around 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing severe food shortages, while nearly 5 million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are suffering from malnutrition.