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Statement by Dr Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative, on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2023
17 August 2023 – This year’s World Humanitarian Day theme – “No Matter What” – captures the unyielding commitment of the World Health Organization in Yemen, our steadfast donors and partners, the dedicated health staff working tirelessly every day, and the fearless communities we serve, all united in a shared mission to save lives and enhance health, regardless of the challenges that face us.
Our donors and partners, who enable WHO to continue its life-saving work, exemplify the true essence of humanitarianism. Their unwavering support fuels our efforts to strengthen health systems, enhance medical infrastructure, and empower health workers, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the care they deserve.
Health workers, our heroes on the frontlines, deserve our deepest gratitude and respect. They confront immense challenges daily, often risking their own well-being to provide life-saving care. Their commitment to delivering quality health services, even in the most trying circumstances, is an inspiration to us all. The sacrifices they make are a testament to the value of human life and the importance of upholding the right to health.
Communities are the cornerstone of resilience in any crisis, and the Yemeni people have demonstrated extraordinary strength. They provide essential support to the health response, share knowledge, and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals and families across the country. Communities in Yemen are not only responding effectively to challenges, but they are also laying the foundation for long-term recovery and sustainable development.
As we mark this day, let us renew our commitment to the principles of humanitarianism and solidarity. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that communities are at the forefront of decision-making and that health workers have the support and resources they need to deliver care effectively.
"No Matter What" reflects the unbreakable bond between WHO, our donors and partners, and the communities we serve. Through our shared commitment, unwavering dedication, and collective action, we can overcome the challenges that face us to save lives, promote health and well-being, and build a healthier, more resilient Yemen for all.
Battling malnutrition in Yemen: helping children recover and thrive
A female health worker providing treatment to one of the malnourished children
17 August 2023 – One of the most severe consequences of the conflict in Yemen has been widespread food insecurity and increasing numbers of malnourished children. The current level of hunger across the country is unprecedented, with 17 million Yemenis facing food insecurity. Child malnutrition in Yemen is among the highest in the world, with almost 2.2 million Yemeni children under the age of 5 acutely malnourished, including 538 000 children severely malnourished and 60 000 children suffering from critical medical complications as a result of severe acute malnutrition.
Agricultural activities, trade routes, and food supply chains have been disrupted, and food prices are spiking as a result of limited availability Before the conflict, Yemen was facing significant challenges related to food production and water scarcity. The situation now, after 8 years of conflict, is exponentially worse.
The daily fight between life and death in Yemen
17 August 2023 – Five-month-old Malak lives with her mother and 2 siblings in Al-Mukalla city, an area affected by devastation as a result of the prolonged conflict. Like many of the babies and children in her area, Malak started her young life suffering from malnutrition as a result of her family’s extreme poverty. The youngest of the 2 siblings, Malak was born just before her parents divorced. Her mother was forced to become the sole breadwinner amidst the country's challenging socioeconomic situation.
The silent cries of hunger in Yemen
18 August 2023 – After the conflict cast its shadow on Yemen, many families were forced to leave their areas of origin and flee to other locations for security and shelter. This was the case with Khaled's family, who fled their home in Al Hodeida to Aden for protection.
Living in a camp for internally displaced people (IDP) after they left their hometown, Khaled's father struggled to find work, leaving them in with limited resources and unable to afford even the most basic food like plain bread. Hunger severely impacted Khaled’s health, and symptoms of malnutrition – swelling of the feet and hands with loss of appetite – began to appear.
