UNICEF: 2016 Was Hard on Yemeni Children

January 11 / Yamanyoon 

UNICEF Resident Representative to Yemen Dr. Meritxell Relano said today in a press conference held in Sana’a that 2016 was hard on the Yemeni children, especially with the high rates of malnutrition and the approach of the health system to collapse.

Relano reviewed UNICEF activities and programs implemented in 2016, which included the delivery of health services to more than 1 million children under five years of age and 550 thousand pregnant woman, as well as vaccinating 5 million children under the age of five years against polio. In addition, they treated more than 237 thousand children who were suffering from malnutrition, and provided 41 thousand liters of fuel for the central cooling units rooms.

UNICEF has supported during the 2016 treatment of 215,000 children who suffer from severe acute malnutrition in Yemen, and provided vitamins and nutritional supplements for four million children under five years of age to enhance their immunity. However, this lifesaving work remains constrained due to lack of funding and lack of access to areas where intense fighting occurs.

Relano adds: “We call on all parties in Yemen to provide unconditional access to children in need around the country so that we can supply them with food supplies, treat children suffering from malnutrition and support the Yemeni health .services

There is still a lack of funding, as UNICEF requires US $ 70 million in 2017 in order to be able to provide health and nutrition services for mothers and children in various governorates.

Relano stressed the need for all parties to respect international laws and conventions and to stop any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including houses, schools and hospitals.