UNICEF is concerned about the impact on children and women of the current crisis in Yemen following the escalation of hostilities in the north.

“It is estimated that over 100,000 persons have been displaced by the latest round of fighting, many of them are children,” says UNICEF Yemen Representative Aboudou Karimou Adjibadé.

“Children often bear the brunt of conflict and it is crucial that we gain immediate access to them to provide them with the assistance they need.”

The current crisis threatens to exacerbate an already difficult situation for children in Yemen. Malnutrition rates are high, with 46 per cent of under-fives underweight and 53 per cent suffering from stunting.

United Nations agencies based in Yemen have just concluded a joint mission to assess the situation. They are working with the government and local organizations to assist affected populations.

Alarmed by the poor hygiene conditions and the lack of safe drinking water, which can lead to the spread of diarrhea, UNICEF has distributed 825 water filters, 1,000 jerry cans, 500 hygiene kits and 300,000 water purification tablets to benefit 550 displaced families in Harad.

Additional supplies have also been pre-positioned for distribution as the need arises.

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