Yemen: On the brink of starvation - BBC News

BBC News
21 Sept 201605:01

Summary

TLDRThis report highlights the devastating impact of war in Yemen, particularly on children facing severe malnutrition and starvation. It tells the story of Fatima, a seven-month-old suffering from malnourishment, and Abdul Rahman, an 18-month-old who weighs as much as a six-month-old. With hospitals overwhelmed and medicine scarce, many children are left vulnerable to infections. The situation has led to a staggering 1.5 million children starving, raising fears of an impending famine. Amid the despair, a glimmer of hope emerges as aid workers manage to import life-saving milk for those in desperate need.

Takeaways

  • 😒 The war in Yemen has resulted in severe malnutrition, especially among children, with many facing life-threatening conditions.
  • πŸ‘Ά Seven-month-old Fatima is a poignant example of the crisis, relying solely on water as her mother cannot breastfeed due to her own malnourishment.
  • πŸš‘ The ongoing conflict has led to the closure of 600 hospitals, creating a dire healthcare situation for the population.
  • ⚠️ Dr. Schrag Muharram travels to various villages, observing the repeated patterns of malnutrition and suffering in children.
  • 🍼 Eighteen-month-old Abdul Rahman weighs as much as a six-month-old, illustrating the severe impact of prolonged malnutrition.
  • πŸ’” One and a half million children in Yemen are currently starving, highlighting the urgency of humanitarian intervention.
  • πŸ’Š Severe shortages of essential medicines are exacerbating health crises, leaving healthcare providers with limited options.
  • 😷 Malnutrition has compromised children's immune systems, making them susceptible to infections that are often untreatable due to lack of antibiotics.
  • 🌍 The situation threatens to erase an entire generation in Yemen if immediate action is not taken by the international community.
  • πŸŽ‰ Despite the grim circumstances, there are hopeful moments, such as the successful negotiation for life-saving milk for malnourished children.

Q & A

  • What is the primary focus of the report?

    -The report focuses on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, particularly the severe malnutrition and suffering of children due to the ongoing war.

  • Who is Fatima, and what is her situation?

    -Fatima is a seven-month-old baby who is weak and severely malnourished. Her mother, Sarah, is unable to breastfeed due to her own malnutrition.

  • What is Dr. Schrag Muharram's role in the report?

    -Dr. Schrag Muharram is a health worker who visits villages to provide medical assistance and document the severe malnutrition cases among children.

  • What challenges do malnourished children face in Yemen?

    -Malnourished children in Yemen face life-threatening conditions, including an inability to walk or talk, weakened immune systems, and a lack of available medical supplies.

  • What is the significance of Abdul Rahman's case?

    -Abdul Rahman, an 18-month-old boy, is severely malnourished and cannot digest normal milk. His case highlights the critical need for specialized nutrition in Yemen.

  • How many hospitals have closed due to the war?

    -The war in Yemen has led to the closure of 600 hospitals, exacerbating the healthcare crisis.

  • What is the estimated number of starving children in Yemen?

    -According to UN figures, there are approximately 1.5 million children in Yemen suffering from starvation.

  • What is the condition of the four-year-old boy mentioned in the report?

    -The four-year-old boy, Trib, is suffering from fever and diarrhea due to malnutrition, which has weakened his immune system.

  • What measures are being taken to address the malnutrition crisis?

    -Health workers, like Dr. Schrag, are attempting to import life-saving nutritional supplies, such as specialized milk, to help malnourished children.

  • What does the report suggest about the future of Yemen's children?

    -The report suggests that there is a risk of losing an entire generation of children in Yemen due to the ongoing conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis.

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Related Tags
Yemen CrisisChild MalnutritionWar ImpactHumanitarian AidHealth CareEmotional StruggleStarvationBBC NewsFood InsecurityNGO Efforts