Yemen faces a severe malnutrition crisis, particularly among women and children. With the world's highest malnutrition rate, 1.3 million pregnant and lactating women, and 2.2 million children under five urgently need treatment. Escalating rates of acute malnutrition, coupled with widespread food insecurity-where nearly a third of families lack essential items-intensify the urgency of the situation.
"We are grateful for the European Union's support through ECHO, which is crucial in our efforts to combat the severe malnutrition crisis in Yemen. This significant contribution is directly impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis", said Richard Ragan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Yemen.
Despite the contribution to support nutrition activities, WFP continues to face a severe funding crisis for its humanitarian operations in Yemen, forcing WFP to make very difficult decisions about further reducing WFP food assistance across the country.
"Yemen remains one of the most worrying humanitarian crises with some 17 million people grappling with food insecurity and 2.2 million children suffering from acute malnutrition. The European Union is committed to continue supporting the most vulnerable Yemenis through the valuable work of our humanitarian partners, like the WFP," says Heather Blackwell the EU humanitarian aid head of office for Yemen.
The European Union has consistently played a crucial role as a donor for WFP's operations in Yemen. This substantial support has enabled the World Food Program to provide nutrition assistance and life-saving services effectively, addressing critical needs across the country.
