Western coastal areas of Yemen near catastrophe due to malnutrition, says UNICEF

25/3/2025 19:02

Western coastal areas of Yemen are on the verge of a catastrophe due to malnutrition, the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.



"We've seen figures of 33% severe and acute malnutrition in certain areas. Especially on the west coast, in Hodeidah it is on the verge of a catastrophe...where thousands will die," Peter Hawkins from UNICEF told reporters in Geneva via video link in Sanaa.



Aid cuts by the U.S. and other donors, coupled with a severe lack of food distribution in 2024, has contributed to critical situation in some areas.



One in two children under the age of five years are malnourished in Yemen, alongside 1.4 million pregnant and lactating women, according to the agency.