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UN: Child Malnutrition Soars in War-torn Yemen

Keminni Amanor

   The lives of thousands of children under the age of five in war-torn
   Yemen are at risk because of acute malnutrition, according to the U.N.
   Children's Fund.

   A UNICEF press release said Tuesday that is particularly true in
   southern parts of the country, where more than half-a-million cases
   have been reported, and about one in five childrenare suffering from
   acute malnutrition. The analysis shows a 10 percent increase in cases
   of malnutrition and a 15.5 percent rise in acute cases in 2020. The
   report said that leaves at least 98,000 children at risk of dying if
   they don't receive urgent intervention.

   Apart from children, at least a quarter-million pregnant or
   breastfeeding women also are in need of treatment for malnutrition,
   according to the statement.

   "The lives of thousands of children and women are at stake. Acute
   malnutrition can be treated and prevented with a package of key
   services, but for that, we need urgent action and support. A great
   sense of urgency should prevail in making the necessary financial
   resources available and ensuring access to children and women in dire
   need of assistance,"said Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Yemen
   Representative.

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