UN: Hunger rates on the rise in Yemen

The United Nations has confirmed that hunger rates are rising in Yemen, with more than half the population in need of aid this year, amid ongoing conflict, climate shocks and reduced humanitarian aid in the country.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Middle East and North Africa ( OCHA MENA ) said in a blog post on the X platform on Wednesday: “Hunger rates in Yemen have increased as a result of the reduction and interruption of food aid, the ongoing economic decline, conflict, and climate shocks.”

He added that more than half of Yemen 's population will need aid during the current year 2025, as the country enters its tenth year of conflict, noting that "economic shocks, weak basic services, and climate risks have exacerbated the decade-long humanitarian crisis."

OCHA confirmed that the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with millions of people facing the risks of hunger, disease and economic difficulties.

He noted that women and children are among the groups most affected by the humanitarian crisis in the country, while preventable and treatable diseases continue to pose a constant threat to the lives of children under the age of five.

He pointed out that humanitarian partners were able to reach 8 million people with humanitarian aid during the past year 2024, while this year they aim to provide aid to 10.5 million people across the country.

More than half of #Yemen's population is in need of humanitarian assistance, as the country enters its tenth year of conflict.

Hunger rates in the country have risen as a result of cuts and interruptions in food aid, ongoing economic decline, conflict, and climate shocks. pic.twitter.com/yjlj8FePQe

— OCHA MENA (@ocharomena) March 5, 2025