Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak revealed a shocking statistic on World Population Day – 50% of the country’s children suffer from chronic malnutrition. Despite facing significant challenges, Bin Mubarak emphasized the importance of investing in people and providing dedicated services and programs to improve their well-being.
With 45% of the population under 16 years old and 65% of working age, Yemen is struggling to address the high levels of malnutrition and stunted growth among its children. Bin Mubarak stressed the need for serious engagement and prioritization in all plans and spending to tackle these issues.
The ongoing war led by the Houthi group has further worsened the financial and economic pressures on the government, making it difficult to provide necessary aid and resources to the population of 32 million, most of whom rely on humanitarian assistance.
Yemen’s economic crisis, compounded by the cessation of oil exports due to attacks on oil ports, continues to exacerbate the already dire situation in the country. Despite a temporary lull in the conflict, the effects of the decade-long war are still deeply felt across Yemen.
*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul