UNICEF moves to challenge child and natal undernutrition in Yemen

UNICEF has launched a program in Yemen to reduce undernutrition in women, girls, and boys. The program focuses on early childhood nutrition, maternal health, safe water, sanitation, food security, and social behavior change communication.

The Accelerated Actions toward the Prevention of Undernutrition program, funded by the German Federal Government and KfW Development Bank, takes a multisectoral and preventative approach across 32 high-priority districts and 12 governorates. 

“This initiative is a major step forward in our collective effort to not only treat but, more importantly, prevent undernutrition in Yemen,” says Peter Hawkins, UNICEF representative to Yemen. 

State of crisis

Undernutrition remains one of the most urgent and persistent public health challenges in Yemen. The nation faces conflict, economic collapse, and strained access to essential services, which worsen nutrition security, explains UNICEF.

“By working with the government of Yemen, civil society, and international donors, we aim to build resilient systems and empower communities to secure a healthier future for children and mothers,” comments Hawkins.

Children and women face a higher risk of illness, delayed development, and death, warns the humanitarian organization. 

Around 2.4 million children below five and 1.5 million pregnant and lactating women are facing acute malnutrition.

Around 2.4 million children below five and 1.5 million pregnant and lactating women are facing acute malnutrition (Image credit: UNICEF/Hayyan). Approximately 2.6 million children under five are stunted. This permanent undernutrition can damage cognitive performance in school, adults’ productivity, and the broader economic development of the nation, says UNICEF.

Program focuses 

UNICEF and its partners’ program seeks to boost the delivery of preventive nutrition services through improved community-based systems. It will also promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices.

The program includes better coordination across sectors in health, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), food security, and education. It will also increase micronutrient supplementation and preventive health services. In addition, UNICEF says it will support national and sub-national capacity building.

Key stakeholders will start the program with a two-day technical workshop in Aden. UNICEF urges support and investments to prevent undernutrition in Yemen.

Recently, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs launched a program in Nigeria, as it was worried that the upcoming lean period would worsen the alarming humanitarian crisis in the country’s Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. In response, the Nigerian government launched a multisector plan for these states focused on urgent food security.