The United Nations' food agency says a funding shortage is forcing it to drop another two million people in Afghanistan from its food assistance program. That brings the number of individuals cut off this year to 10 million.

The World Food Programme in Afghanistan revealed last week that it can no longer serve all the people in need.
It said the cuts mean 1.4 million new and expecting mothers and their children cannot receive specialized food designed to prevent malnutrition.

Afghanistan's economy has stalled under the Taliban. The group regained power in August of 2021.

The people are dealing with food shortages and other hardships. That is because foreign aid has been lagging and the economy is in the doldrums.
No country has recognized the Taliban as a legitimate government. That has led to further financial and diplomatic isolation.

The WFP made its announcement about the cuts ahead of the UN General Assembly session. The meetings are scheduled to begin later this month. World leaders will gather in New York.

The WFP says it needs one billion US dollars over the next six months to provide 21 million people with lifesaving food, nutrition assistance and livelihood support.

It reports it has urged donor governments to prioritize funding for humanitarian operations.