WHO Yemen: A mother’s struggle: fighting malnutrition in Yemen

Aden, Yemen  

At just 5 months old, Amir Taher Ali has already endured more than any child should. Born in Salah Al-Din, Aden, he has battled severe acute malnutrition, a chest infection, persistent diarrhoea and an umbilical hernia that needs surgery.

His mother remembers the helplessness she felt as his health deteriorated. “He was so sick and no matter what I did, I couldn’t comfort him. My milk dried up because of the stress. I felt completely helpless,” she says. “Now, at least, he is receiving care. I just want him to be healthy again.”

After struggling at home, Amir was eventually brought to the therapeutic feeding centre where he is now receiving treatment.

“The doctors and nurses have been kind, and I see him improving. But I pray no other mother has to watch her child suffer like this.”

A daily struggle

Life for Amir’s family has never been easy. His father, a daily wage worker, earns barely enough to buy food. On some days there is nothing to eat.

“When that happens, we fast,” his mother says quietly. “A stranger gave us baby clothes when Amir was born. We have always relied on the kindness of others.”

Malnutrition in Yemen: a widespread crisis

Amir is one of 2.3 million children in Yemen suffering from acute malnutrition. Half a million of them face severe acute malnutrition and 69000 need urgent medical care. Without treatment, malnutrition leaves children vulnerable to infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea, among the leading causes of child deaths in Yemen.

With support from the German Foreign Office, WHO is working to save lives. It provides medical care to 31220 malnourished children at 96 stabilization centres, and is training 1546 health care workers to ensure more children get the treatment they desperately need.

“Malnutrition remains one of the biggest threats to children’s health in Yemen,” says Acting WHO Representative in Yemen Dr Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo. “No child should have to suffer from hunger or preventable diseases. With the support of our partners, WHO is committed to ensuring that children receive the care and nutrition they need to survive and thrive.”

While Amir’s journey is not over, his mother refuses to lose hope. “I just want to take him home healthy. That is every mother’s wish.”