In Afghanistan, a Trail of Hunger and Death Behind U.S. Aid Cuts

New York Times - WorldEN 7 min read 100% complete by Elian Peltier, Yaqoob Akbary, Safiullah Padshah and Tomás MunitaFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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long article 7 min

Following U.S. aid cuts in Afghanistan, the country faces a severe humanitarian crisis, including alarming levels of child hunger and healthcare shortages. The U.S. had provided nearly $1 billion annually after the 2021 Taliban takeover, representing over a third of the total aid to the country. The dismantling of USAID programs has led to the closure of almost 450 health centers and left four million children at risk of malnutrition. International organizations that previously relied on U.S. funding have struggled to fill the gap. The aid reduction has had devastating consequences, including increased maternal and infant mortality in rural areas due to limited access to medical care.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

World Food Program 50% United States ×360% International Rescue Committee ×270% Sherine Ibrahim ×280% Afghanistan ×4100%

Keywords

afghanistan 100% u.s. aid cuts 90% child hunger 80% health centers 70% u.s. withdrawal 60% malnutrition 60% international rescue committee 50% world food program 50% drought 40%