Acute malnutrition is rapidly spreading in government-controlled areas of Yemen, exacerbated by diseases like cholera and measles, lack of nutritious food, and clean water shortages, as per a new UN report. The war-torn country, divided between the internationally recognized government and the Houthi rebels, is experiencing a wider economic decline leading to a severe food crisis.
The analysis reveals a 34% increase in acute malnutrition among children under five in government-controlled regions, impacting over 600,000 children, including 120,000 severely malnourished. The situation has reached an “extremely critical” level in regions like the southern Hodeidah lowlands.
All 117 districts surveyed are projected to face serious malnutrition levels or worse, with urgent intervention required. Unicef’s representative to Yemen emphasizes the need for enhanced prevention and treatment efforts to safeguard vulnerable women, girls, and boys.
The ongoing conflict between the government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthi rebels has left the nation devastated, with widespread casualties and infrastructure destruction. While a UN-led roadmap for peace exists, recent Houthi attacks have clouded its future.
The World Food Programme stresses the need for increased humanitarian support to avert further deterioration of food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen.
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