Yemen remains one of the most food-insecure countries in the world, with the number of people facing acute food insecurity expected to increase in the coming months, according to the latest report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“The situation is projected to worsen from June through December 2023, with the number of people in IPC Phase 3 or above expected to increase by 20 percent (638,500 additional people),” the office said.

It warned that, “This will bring the total number of people facing severe acute food insecurity to 3.9 million in government-controlled areas, approximately 41 per cent of the population.”

OCHA could not assess the situation in Houthi-controlled areas because of restrictions on humanitarian workers and the closure of two independent companies that operated for the benefit of international organizations.

The Office revealed that malnutrition is complex and caused by a combination of factors, including food insecurity, poor food quality, measles outbreak, low immunization coverage, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and high levels of illness.

“The extremely high food insecurity deprives children of sufficient food, and the food quality is also affected, which means that children need to get the micronutrients they need to grow,” it stated.

Also, poor access to clean water and sanitation makes children sick. High levels of illnesses and limited access to health care are worsening this situation, OCHA said.

“These factors have contributed to extremely high levels of stunting, which leads to a general loss due to diminished cognitive and physical development, reduced productive capacity, poor health, and an increased risk of degenerative diseases,” it added.

On means to face the dire situation in Yemen, OCHA said there is an urgent need to address all these causes simultaneously to address malnutrition.

“Urgent action is needed to address the underlying drivers of food insecurity, including conflict, economic decline, and the shortfall in humanitarian assistance. Failure to act could result in a more severe humanitarian crisis,” it warned.

The office then stated that acute malnutrition is worsening in government-controlled areas.

“In 2023 about half a million children are projected to be acutely malnourished, including nearly 100,000 children who are likely to be severely malnourished and at higher risk of death. It is also estimated that up to a quarter million pregnant and lactating women (PLW) will be acutely malnourished,” it said.

Referring to the current analysis (Oct 2022-May 2023), OCHA said a total of 12 zones are in a Serious situation (IPC AMN Phase 3) and Critical situation (IPC AMN Phase 4) compared to 10 zones in 2022.

The three zones in Phase 4 include Hodeidah Southern Lowland, Lahj Lowland, and Taiz Lowland.

The Office also said that the main drivers of this deterioration include a projected 20 per cent shortfall in humanitarian assistance, an anticipated increase in food and fuel prices to about 30 percent above the average levels, and a continuation of conflict in frontline districts.

“Most analyzed districts (102 out of 118) are in IPC Phase 3 and above (3 districts in IPC Phase 4 and 99 districts in IPC Phase 3) from January- May. Thirteen districts are expected to shift from IPC Phase 3 to Phase 4, while 15 districts move from IPC Phase 2 (Stress) to Phase 3 from June 2023,” the analysis showed.

This indicates that the food insecurity situation is becoming more severe in most districts of Yemen.

Despite some progress, OCHA said the current situation remains dire.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) partial analysis, the number of people facing severe acute food insecurity remains high, with 3.2 million people in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis and Emergency) between January and May 2023 in areas under the control of the government.

“This represents a 23 per cent reduction compared to the previous quarter but is still alarming,” the Office concluded.