A representative of the World Food Programme in Afghanistan says more than 30 percent of the country's population faces food insecurity amid rising global food prices.
WFP Afghanistan Representative and Country Director Hsiao-Wei Lee said in an online interview with NHK on Wednesday that over 15 million people in the country don't know where they will get their next meal.
Afghanistan's economy has been deteriorating, with high unemployment since the Taliban Islamist group returned to power in August 2021. Prolonged drought has affected crop harvests, causing a serious food shortage.
Lee said the situation is worsening as food prices soar due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other factors.
She also said the WFP faces a serious shortage of funds and must cut rations.
Lee thanked Japan and the international community for their generous support to Afghanistan, and asked them for continued support.
She said the international community needs to remain committed to Afghanistan to meet humanitarian needs and help Afghan people support themselves.