Emergency (IPC Phase 4) continues; Additional assistance is urgently needed to fill consumption gaps

Severe food insecurity continues across conflict-affected areas of western Yemen with an estimated 7 to 10 million people facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or higher food insecurity. Of this food insecure population, approximately 25 percent is likely in Emergency (IPC Phase 4). While large-scale food assistance programs are ongoing throughout the country, needs significantly exceed current assistance levels. Additional humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to fill food consumption gaps, treat acute malnutrition, and save lives.   

Data on current food security outcomes in Yemen is limited. However, based on the currently available information on household food consumption and malnutrition and the projected evolution of food availability and access during the coming months, FEWS NET estimates that it is possible that some populations could face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) between November 2016 and May 2017 in zones where the impacts of conflict on household livelihoods and humanitarian access have been most severe.

After a mid-November, 48-hour ceasefire was not renewed, fighting and airstrikes continue across Yemen, disrupting household access to typical livelihood activities. Preliminary results of a FEWS NET rapid assessment conducted in October 2016 found that most surveyed households reported that their incomes were below 2014 levels. The assessment also found increasing difficulties accessing international remittances compared to the previous August 2016 assessment and confirmed reports from other organizations that most government salaries are not being paid. Below-average incomes are limiting poor households’ food access through market purchase.

A cholera outbreak continues in Yemen’s western areas. As of November 24, 2016, 103 confirmed cases and 6,121 suspected cases have been reported. Affected governorates include Abyan, Ad Dali', Aden, Al Bayda’, Al Hudaydah, Amanat Al Asimah, Amran, Hajjah, Ibb, Lahij, Sana’a, and Ta’izz.