International organizations have raised the alarm about malnutrition in several Yemeni regions and warned of the consequences of the recent military escalation in the country.
The International Committee of the Red Cross stressed last week that any further escalation could further worsen the humanitarian crisis that Yemenis are experiencing after more than 10 years of conflict.
Civilians must be spared from attacks, the Committee said, adding that hospitals and essential infrastructure must be protected from military operations while aid must reach those who need it.
It also called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, particularly the need to protect civilians and civilian objects, humanitarian workers and medical teams.
“We remain committed to delivering lifesaving assistance and responding to the urgent needs of those so heavily affected,” the ICRC said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned of a crisis as the numbers of malnourished children rise in Yemen.
In a statement appealing for greater financial support following a decline in humanitarian funding for the country, MSF warned that malnutrition is growing in Yemen with needs outpacing current treatment capacity.
It affirmed that malnutrition was particularly growing among women and children, noting that the percentage of pregnant women with malnutrition and severe health conditions have increased, which negatively affects newborn Yemeni children.
MSF said health facilities in Yemen are becoming increasingly overwhelmed with the number of children with malnutrition, measles, cholera and diphtheria.
The organization is present in 13 governorates, treating patients suffering the long-term effects of war and conflict, including malnutrition, child and maternal care, and mental health services.
It emphasized the need for funding to support targeted food assistance for vulnerable groups, especially children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls.
MSF also called for an urgent life-saving response to support overwhelmed healthcare system.
In a related development, UNICEF confirmed that Yemen still records the highest rates of malnutrition worldwide, especially among children.
In a recent report, the UN agency said that in many parts of the country, access to food, clean water, and healthcare remains critically inadequate as a result of Yemen's ongoing conflict and economic crisis.
“This have fueled a devastating malnutrition crisis, with the highest rates globally,” it said.
