A war with no end in sight
“The forgotten war” – this is how the conflict in Yemen is often referred to. It has been raging since 2015 and is among the world’s worst humanitarian crises. However, it is generally given very little media coverage.
There is no real hope for an improvement of the situation and for peace. Given the geographical position of Yemen, fleeing to neighbouring countries is not possible either, forcing countless people to seek refuge within the country. For example, more than 2.3 million children have to live in refugee camps. They lack adequate access to basic health care, food, protection, education, clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
The numbers are staggering: nearly 21 million people, including more than 11 million children, depend on humanitarian aid. Every 10 minutes, a child dies of preventable causes.
A war with no
end in sight
Children in Yemen are
denied their future.
A country on the brink of famine
Since the beginning of the war, more than 11,000 children have been killed or seriously injured – and the number of unreported cases is likely to be far higher. But the conflict is also causing countless indirect victims, as the civil war has led to a severe hunger crisis. The weather, the Ukrainian conflict and the economic and health care collapse have further exacerbated the problem.
About two-thirds of the population is malnourished. 2.2 million children under the age of five are suffering from malnutrition, of which more than 540,000 are at risk of death. They are struggling to survive day after day and are in urgent need of support and treatment. The same goes for pregnant and lactating women. When they are acutely malnourished, their babies inevitably bear the consequences.
The children need your support
“The brutal war in Yemen continues unabated. Yemen has become a living hell for children. […] UNICEF and our partners will continue to deliver for Yemen’s children. But we are running out of funds.”
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF
UNICEF provides help despite the difficult circumstances
Conditions for humanitarian organizations are very challenging in the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula. The delivery and distribution of aid and essential goods are hampered by air and sea blockades as well as by hostilities.
In spite of the dire situation, UNICEF remains on the ground providing comprehensive assistance. This also includes combating malnutrition among children and (future) mothers. We deliver food to hard-to-reach areas, provide malnourished children with special therapeutic food and vitamins, and save many children’s lives. To maintain our commitment, we urgently need your support.
Gosson’s story
BEFORE
AFTER
Gosson was admitted to hospital with severe acute malnutrition. At the time of her admission, her condition was very alarming. She had a fever, severe diarrhoea and, at only 5 kilos, was seriously underweight.
But soon after starting the treatment, she began to recover. The doctors monitored her condition continuously. Within a few days, she had already gained two kilos. On our second visit, a few months later, she had completely recovered from the severe acute malnutrition and was in good health, except for a mild case of diarrhoea.
In Yemen, countless children are in the same situation as Gosson: More than half a million children under the age of five suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Left untreated, this form of malnutrition is often fatal.
