WHO warns of mass starvation in Yemen after offensive on Hodeidah

SANAA, July 24 (YPA) – The World Health Organization on Monday said that Yemen is close to famine after a 25-per cent increase in levels of severe hunger this year and an offensive on the main port city of Hodeida, a lifeline for millions warning of mass starvation.

“With the intensification of fighting around Hodeida, I am deeply concerned about the impact it will have on the lives, health and welfare of the 1.6 million people living in the city and its environs, and on the people of Yemen more broadly, WHO Director said in a statement obtained by Yemen Press Agency.

In particular, the port of Hodeida is an essential lifeline for the country: more than 70% of all food, essential medicines and healthcare supplies are brought in through this port, he added.

We stand with our UN partners to call on all parties to the conflict to protect the port, and allow its uninterrupted functioning. We also call on all parties to protect health workers and their facilities from harm, as well as to ensure unimpeded access for medical teams seeking to treat the wounded.

E.M