In Yemen's government-controlled areas, the prevalence of child malnutrition is rapidly rising, according to a new UNICEF and Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) program research. According to the research, over 600,000 children suffer from acute malnutrition, with 120,000 of them suffering from severe malnutrition. Acute malnutrition rates among children under five have increased by 34% in the last year. The combined effects of disease outbreaks (measles and cholera), significant food insecurity, restricted access to safe drinking water, and economic downturn are blamed for this concerning increase.
The situation has reached "extremely critical" levels in parts of southern Yemen, marking a significant worsening of conditions. The IPC data, which covers 117 government-controlled areas, predicts continued high levels of malnutrition through October. Some regions have been classified with acute malnutrition rates exceeding 30%, the most severe category, for the first time.
The problem is made worse by Yemen's protracted conflict, which has existed there since 2014. The already fragile humanitarian situation in the country has been further exacerbated by the war between the Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, and the internationally recognized government, which is leading a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Due to financial constraints, international organizations are finding it difficult to handle the situation; as a result, the World Food Program was obliged to lower rations. In order to stop the most vulnerable communities in Yemen from experiencing worsening food insecurity and malnutrition, UNICEF and other organizations are urging more assistance.
