News - Yemen: The World Bank has joined the United Nations in warning about rising food insecurity in Yemen for the remainder of this year, noting that the number of affected individuals has surpassed one million. 

The report projects that 24 percent of the population will face severe levels of food insecurity throughout the rest of the year.

According to the World Bank's report on food conditions, Yemen has seen a 6 percent increase in the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity compared to last year. The report attributes this increase to several factors, including escalating conflict and worsening climate changes such as droughts and floods.

The report also highlights that the depreciation of the local currency and rising fuel costs have made access to food even more difficult, particularly in areas controlled by the Saudi-backed government. 

The World Bank expects that 24 percent of Yemen's population will experience high levels of acute food insecurity during the second half of the year due to the ongoing conflict, lack of job opportunities, and the intensified impact of climate changes.

Acute malnutrition in Yemen's southern regions, particularly along the West Coast, has reached alarming levels, with areas like Hodeidah and Taiz experiencing "extremely critical" conditions for the first time, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. The crisis has been fueled by escalating food insecurity, deteriorating public services, and a worsening economic situation driven by the prolonged US-Saudi aggression.

The number of children under five suffering from acute malnutrition in Saudi-UAE controlled areas has surged by 34 percent in the past year, affecting over 600,000 children, including 120,000 who are severely malnourished. The situation is exacerbated by disease outbreaks such as cholera and measles, lack of access to safe drinking water, and ongoing economic decline. In addition, around 223,000 pregnant and lactating women are also affected by malnutrition.

In particular, Hodeidah's southern lowlands, Al Khawkhah and Hays districts, and Taiz lowlands, Al Makha district, have reported a shocking prevalence of acute malnutrition, with rates exceeding 30 percent. The situation is expected to worsen in other districts under Saudi-backed government control, with many projected to reach “serious” or worse malnutrition levels in the near future.

The crisis is a reflection of years of neglect, corruption, and economic mismanagement by mercenaries controlling these areas. Despite multiple protests from residents, the situation continues to deteriorate, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to address the severe humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Yemeni population.