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A recent report highlights the alarming rise in malnutrition rates in Yemen, attributing this crisis to the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria, significant food insecurity, and inadequate access to clean drinking water and essential services. This assessment was conducted by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Technical Working Group.
Yemen has endured almost a decade of conflict and economic degradation, with over 18 million people—more than half the population—now relying on humanitarian assistance for survival as government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, continue to clash with Houthi rebels.
Children in Distress
The report covers the period from November 2023 to October 2024 and indicates a disturbing trend: the number of children under five in government-held areas suffering from acute malnutrition has surged by 34% compared to the previous year. Currently, approximately 600,000 children are affected, with 120,000 in severe condition. Furthermore, around 223,000 pregnant and lactating women are also acutely malnourished in these regions.
For the first time, the report highlights the presence of extremely critical acute malnutrition in two districts within the southern lowlands of Hudaydah governorate (Al Khawkhah and Hays) and in Taiz (Al Makha). Concern grows as the Mawza district in Taiz is predicted to join these areas facing extreme malnutrition levels.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for intervention in these districts to prevent a surge in morbidity and mortality among young children.
Concerns During the Lean Season
The report also points out that Hudaydah and Taiz already experience some of the highest rates of chronic malnutrition, suggesting that persistent hardships are exacerbating conditions for children in these regions. Notably, acute malnutrition rates in Hudaydah escalated from 25.9% to 33.9% year-on-year.
Looking ahead, it is projected that all 117 districts surveyed in the southern areas under government control will witness “serious” levels of malnutrition or worse during the upcoming lean season, which stretches from July to October.
Urgent Need for Support
Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF Representative to Yemen, stressed the importance of investing in and scaling up programs to prevent and treat malnutrition, especially for the most vulnerable populations, including women, girls, and children.
UNICEF, along with organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Health Organization (WHO), is calling for immediate action to tackle the root causes of malnutrition in Yemen. This includes enhancing social protections, health care, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
These agencies also emphasize that ending the long-standing conflict and re-establishing peace are crucial for resolving the humanitarian crisis and promoting the resilience of a population battered by service disruptions, displacements, and economic instability.
A Call to Action
Dr. Hussein Gadain, FAO Representative in Yemen, reaffirmed the commitment to aiding the sustainable recovery and diversification of agricultural practices to meet the urgent needs of the population.
Amidst ongoing challenges, WFP is currently compelled to reduce food rations, with its representatives suggesting the report serves as a critical alert about the dire situation, underlining the reality that lives are at stake. Pierre Honnorat, the organization’s Representative and Country Director, emphasized the necessity of escalating support for vulnerable communities, warning that without increased humanitarian funding, more people will descend into food insecurity and malnutrition.
Dr. Arturo Pesigan, the WHO Representative to Yemen, noted that the escalating rates of acute malnutrition in children signal broader health issues. He stressed the need for integrated health and nutrition services, effective management of childhood illnesses, and continuous access to nutritious food and clean water. “Immediate action is essential to protect the future of Yemen’s children,” he urged.
Source
news.un.org