The 2024 Global Hunger Index has ranked Afghanistan 116th out of 127 countries, with a score of 30.8. Last year, Afghanistan held the 114th position with a score of 30.6, indicating a decline of two places in this year’s evaluation.

According to the report, 30.4% of Afghanistan’s population is malnourished, and 5.8% of children die before reaching the age of five. Additionally, the report highlights that 44.6% of children under the age of five in Afghanistan suffer from stunted growth, a reflection of chronic malnutrition. Furthermore, 3.6% of children have a lower-than-expected weight for their height, signifying acute malnutrition.

The Global Hunger Index also noted that 5.8% of Afghan children die before the age of five due to inadequate nutrition and poor living conditions. The hunger situation in Afghanistan, under Taliban control, alongside 35 other countries, was assessed as “serious.”

In last year’s index, Afghanistan ranked 114th with a score of 30.6. However, with this year’s ranking at 116th, the hunger level in the country has worsened. Under Taliban rule, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has escalated over the past three years. According to the United Nations, more than 24 million people currently require humanitarian assistance.

The 2024 Global Hunger Index categorised hunger levels in 51 countries as “low,” 37 countries as “moderate,” 36 countries as “serious,” and 6 countries as “alarming.” On a global scale, hunger was rated as “moderate” with a score of 18.3. This marks a slight increase compared to eight years ago when the global hunger score was 18.8, reflecting a modest rise in hunger levels worldwide.

The report also highlighted that achieving the United Nations’ “Sustainable Development Goals” to eliminate global hunger by 2030 is becoming increasingly challenging. Since 2016, progress in reducing global hunger has been minimal.

In this year’s rankings, Belarus recorded the lowest hunger level globally, with a score of less than 5. Burundi and South Sudan, with scores between 35 and 49.9, are classified as experiencing “alarming” levels of hunger.

The Global Hunger Index is prepared by European non-governmental organisations, and the results are published annually in October.