The United Nations' Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Technical Group in Yemen has released a report revealing a dire situation in the country's government-controlled areas. The document, published on August 18, 2024, highlights a significant increase in acute malnutrition, particularly along Yemen's Red Sea coast.
Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has been grappling with a civil war since 2014, resulting in one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthi militia has led to economic collapse and widespread impoverishment in this Arabian Peninsula nation of approximately 30 million people.
The report indicates a 34% rise in the number of children under five suffering from acute malnutrition compared to the previous year in government-controlled regions. This translates to about 600,000 children, including 120,000 severe cases. The situation is particularly critical in the southern Hodeidah lowlands, specifically the Al Khawkhah and Hays districts, as well as the Al Makha district of the Taiz lowlands.
Several factors contribute to this worsening situation:
- Spread of diseases such as cholera and measles
- Shortage of nutritious food
- Lack of clean drinking water
- Overall economic decline
It's worth noting that Yemen has experienced multiple cholera outbreaks since 2016, further straining its already collapsed healthcare system. The country imports about 90% of its food, making it particularly vulnerable to economic shocks and conflict-related disruptions.
The report does not provide information on conditions in Houthi-held areas, which include most large urban centers, including the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-backed government operates from Aden in the south.
"The Riyadh-led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the government from Sanaa. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression."
This multi-faceted conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has displaced over 4 million people internally. The war has caused significant damage to Yemen's infrastructure and economy, with the latter shrinking by more than 50% since 2015.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, ongoing since 2016, has left over 80% of the population in need of assistance. The country faces severe fuel shortages, affecting essential services, and has one of the world's highest child mortality rates.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community faces increasing pressure to address this humanitarian catastrophe and work towards a resolution to the ongoing conflict.