The UN warns of a serious malnutrition crisis among Yemeni children
On August 18, the United Nations issued a dire warning about a severe malnutrition crisis affecting children under 5 years old in areas controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The latest report shows a sharp increase in cases of acute malnutrition among young children, posing a significant challenge to Yemen’s already strained healthcare and humanitarian system.
According to data from the United Nations Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, the situation in Yemen has reached an unprecedented level of severity, especially in the western coastal areas of the country.
The report highlights a 34% increase in acute malnutrition among children in government-controlled areas compared to the previous year, affecting more than 600,000 children, of whom 120,000 were classified as malnourished. heavy maintenance. Additionally, about 223,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women reported suffering from acute malnutrition this year.
The crisis is driven by a combination of factors, including protracted conflict, disease outbreaks, widespread food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and economic recession . The situation is expected to worsen from July to October, with all 117 surveyed districts under government control expected to experience “severe” acute malnutrition. “important” or “urgent”.
Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Yemen, expressed deep concern over the alarming situation. He emphasized the urgent need to increase investment and expand prevention and treatment efforts to protect the most vulnerable, including women and children.
Yemen has been in chaos since Houthi forces captured the capital Sanaa in September 2014 and advanced south in March 2015, taking control of much of the country and forcing President Mansour Hadi into exile. in Saudi Arabia. In 2015, the Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened to support Hadi’s government and restore him to power. Currently, Houthi forces control most of Yemen.
Ongoing economic and security instability has pushed more than 60% of Yemen’s 33 million people into poverty. Life remains extremely difficult despite the UN-brokered ceasefire starting in April 2022.
