Yemen Faces Growing Crisis: Severe Malnutrition Rates Surge Among Children

A recent report from the World Health Organization has sparked fears about a surge in severe malnutrition among children in Yemen, especially in areas under the control of Houthi rebels. The report highlights that 540,000 children are suffering from this condition. Medical sources in Yemen express concern over the escalating spread of severe malnutrition among children under five years old. The ongoing deterioration of food security, inadequate healthcare services, and insufficient humanitarian funding contribute to the crisis. Health workers in Yemen report numerous new cases of severe malnutrition being recorded in various provinces under Houthi control. The World Health Organization acknowledges the dire situation in Yemen, stating that 17.8 million individuals require health assistance. The organization stresses the importance of its humanitarian work amidst the ongoing conflict and the collapse of Yemen’s healthcare system. The WHO also emphasizes that malnutrition rates have hovered between 10% and 15% over the past forty years, indicating a significant burden. The organization’s efforts in Yemen have helped save the lives of over 100,000 children through the provision of treatment for severe malnutrition and related illnesses. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi in the temporary capital of Aden, expressing concern about the ongoing conflict and calling for the release of detained UN personnel.