World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

With more than 10 million people in Yemen found to be food insecure, WFP has scaled up its operations to target those most in need.

Since 2009, there has been a decline in Yemen’s food security. Almost half of the country’s population is suffering from hunger.

WFP has increased its operations in the country, aiming to reach a total of 5.5 million people with food assistance by the end of 2012.

In September, WFP began a massive round of food distributions to respond to the increased needs of those living in food insecurity in Yemen. There are plans to reach 2 million people by December.

13 percent of children under five in Yemen are suffering from acute malnutrition, and chronic malnutrition rates among children are as high as 47 percent nationwide. In its increased assistance efforts, WFP will target pregnant women, nursing mothers, malnourished children under five years, and schoolgirls, as well as those who are severely food insecure or displaced.

In Yemen, child malnutrition rates are among the highest in the world. Close to half of Yemen’s children under five years – 2 million children - are stunted, while one million are acutely malnourished. WFP will provide specialized nutrition to both mothers and children as part of its increased operations in the country, planning to reach 675,000 women and children.