UNICEF has reported that acute malnutrition among Yemeni children, particularly in severe cases, has significantly increased. This situation is extremely concerning following the escalation of conflicts in Yemen and disruption of access to medical and health facilities.
Significant Increase in Child Malnutrition
Akhil Iyer, UNICEF's representative in Yemen, announced in a video conference from Aden in Geneva that more than a quarter of nearly 2,900 children recently assessed by UNICEF's mobile nutrition teams in accessible areas are suffering from acute malnutrition. Of this number, 200 children are recognized as severely malnourished.
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The internal conflict in Yemen, which is between the government forces supported by Saudi Arabia and the Houthis (Ansar Allah) backed by Iran, has currently intensified significantly. While the situation had calmed down in 2022, violence has recently increased along old frontlines, including around the city of Taiz, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Consequences and Crisis from Conflicts
Due to these conflicts, more than 133,000 residents of Yemen have been forced to leave their homes, with some fleeing towards Africa via the Red Sea. UNICEF has reported that in the past three weeks, approximately 71,000 children have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing conflicts.
UNICEF has also noted that more cases of child malnutrition are being recorded daily in areas where newly displaced individuals have arrived. This international organization has emphasized that this is only part of the critical situation across the country. It is expected that this year, 2.2 million children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition, and over half a million children will be severely malnourished.
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