In Yemen, low funding for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has caused ration cuts for people displaced by a conflict in the northern part of the country.
Other nationwide programs, such as Food for Education, have been suspended. Infant children, who need foods like plumpy’nut, are at risk of suffering damaging malnutrition if the shortages continue.
A new fund, Hunger Relief for Yemen, has been set up at the World Food Program USA site. There you can donate to help the victims of the conflict and restore other vital food assistance.
Food rations for those displaced by the conflict between the government and rebels (Sa’ada War) were cut in half in May. WFP reports, “The impact of the ration reductions on the already vulnerable population has been severe: demonstrations were reported, the livelihoods of families have further deteriorated, and increased levels of acute hunger and malnutrition are reported.”
Children in one of the camps in Yemen for those displaced by the Sa’ada War. (Jennifer Mizgata/WFP)
The conflict is currently in a ceasefire, but how long this ceasefire will hold remains in question. With the humanitarian situation deteriorating, hopes for peace are clearly threatened.
Gian Carlo Cirri, a WFP official, says, “Improved services will also contribute to strengthening the sustainability of the ceasefire and facilitate the voluntary return of IDPs.” In short, food is needed for peace in Yemen.
This is a country that suffers from a multitude of crises, including the Sa’ada War, as well as an Al Qaeda presence and high levels of hunger and malnutrition.
The Yemen relief fund is one way to address the urgent food needs of the population and provide support for building a sustainable roadmap to end hunger.
You can visit the Hunger Relief for Yemen here……