More than 9 years of gruelling conflict has left Yemen facing a severe food crisis. More than 17.6 million people are suffering from severe food insecurity – with 6 million at high risk of severe malnutrition.
The crisis in Yemen is exacerbated by the limited water available for farming, and contaminated water triggering recurring cholera outbreaks.
Climate shocks, such as floods and cyclones, have damaged the agriculture sector, destroying crops and disrupting livelihoods, pushing struggling communities deeper into poverty.
A decade of war has damaged Yemen’s vital infrastructure, leaving Yemeni people very few resources to help them during this crisis.
Malnutrition is Widespread- And Levels Are Rising
Recent reports have shown a 34% increase in acute malnutrition among children under 5 in southern Yemen.
Additionally, 223,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished.
The levels of malnutrition have reached ‘extremely critical’ levels in the governorates of Hodeidah and Taizz in northern Yemen, where rates have surged to over 30%.
With dwindling global humanitarian assistance, the need for humanitarian support in Yemen has reached desperate levels, according to Siddiq Khan, Islamic Relief’s Country Director in Yemen:
“Yemen’s crisis is not just a headline; it’s a harsh reality for millions of families. Immediate and collective support is crucial now, as we are at a critical moment where timely action can prevent further catastrophe.”
Islamic Relief is a Lifeline in Yemen
Thanks to our generous supporters, Islamic Relief, and our partners, are providing life-saving humanitarian aid in Yemen. We have provided food and financial aid to over 124,000 people. In recent months, we have treated more than 77,000 children and nearly 92,000 women for malnutrition across our 159 health centres located across Yemen.
We have also provided farmers with essential resources and training, and supported small businesses to strengthen recovery efforts and ensure steady access to food.
Despite these efforts however, the humanitarian needs in Yemen remain immense.
More is Needed to Save Lives in Yemen
Only 27% of the 2024 United Nations-led Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan has been funded. This severe funding shortfall risks the progress made so far by Islamic Relief and other humanitarian actors operating in Yemen.
The crisis in Yemen cannot be ignored. Both immediate relief and long-term strategies are needed to power sustainable recovery. The rising levels of acute malnutrition and continuous disease outbreaks underscore the critical need for a large-scale response in Yemen – that includes improving nutrition, health services, and access to safe water.
© Islamic Relief (Worldwide) TM 2019