Yemen Joint Monitoring Report: Bi-monthly Update on Food Security and Nutrition Crisis Risks (September 2024 – Report 5) – Yemen

KEY MESSAGES

• The Joint Monitoring Report (JMR) modelling, which uses data up to August 2024, raised 114 critical risk alerts and 82 heightened alerts for exchange rates, conflict, fuel prices and displacement. JMR modeling also shows that 4.2 million people lived in areas at risk of deteriorating into Emergency conditions (IPC Stage 4) or worsening food insecurity conditions in August, with the majority located in areas controlled by the Government of Yemen ( GoY).
• In August 2024, according to FAO’s High Frequency Monitoring Photos, food insecurity in Yemen remained high. In GoY-controlled areas, 53% of households reported eating insufficient food, while 45% of households reported the same in Ansar Allah (AA)-controlled areas. Although there was no change in the use of intensive food-based coping strategies in both GoY and AA areas compared to the previous two months, there was an increase in the number of households using emergency livelihood coping strategies. Overall, the use of coping strategies is even more prevalent in AA areas. According to WFP’s monthly monitoring of food security, 65% of households in GoY areas and 64% in AA areas reported insufficient food consumption in August. Based on the same data, poor food consumption reached an all-time high of 36% and similar levels were reported in both control areas.
• The latest IPC analysis of malnutrition in GoY areas shows that by October 2024, an estimated 609,800 children will be severely malnourished, 118,570 will be severely malnourished and over 222,900 pregnant and lactating women will be expecting with malnutrition. All of the 117 districts analyzed in the GoY districts are projected to face IPC Acute Medicine (IPC AMN) Stage 3 (severe) classification or worse between July – October 2024, including four districts in Al Hodeidah and Ta’iz which are predicted to face a very critical stage, the highest stage of the AMN IPC scale.
• In August, severe flooding in Yemen caused by heavy rain caused extensive damage in Al Hodeidah, Hajjah, Ma’rib, Sa’dah, and Ta’iz. Immediate needs include emergency shelter, food, NFIs, and WASH services to address water contamination and disease prevention. The health sector needs to focus on managing watery diarrhea (AWD) and cholera and also address psychological impacts. The floods affected crops and livestock, contributing to food insecurity and requiring extensive rehabilitation and flood mitigation efforts. No drought warnings were raised in July or August.
• Yemen has higher rainfall in 2024, and a significant increase is expected in some areas. Despite forecasts predicting a gradual reduction, flood risks remain high, particularly in the saturated regions of the Central Highlands and Southern Highlands. Flooding can exacerbate public health, agricultural and infrastructure issues, while stagnant water raises the threat of waterborne diseases. Dust storms in the Eastern Plateau since September could cause respiratory issues and damage crops, while rising temperatures will also accelerate pest activity, threatening food security.
• Yemen has a serious outbreak of AWD and suspected cholera, with nearly 131,900 cases reported between October 2023 and August 2024. Malnourished children are at increased risk of contracting these diseases. A national cholera task force, chaired by Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), was activated to coordinate the response. UNICEF and WHO established Oral Rehydration Corners in 141 health centers in affected areas. UNICEF also deployed 3,385 community health workers and reached 1.2 million people with prevention messages, enhancing treatment and community resilience.
• In August, the exchange rate indicator generated 113 critical risk alerts and 23 elevated risk alerts in GoY governments. The Yemeni controlled monthly average in GoY controlled areas continued to depreciate, reaching YER 1,896/USD 1, a 25% depreciation compared to the same period in 2023 and a record monthly average. Conversely, the exchange rate in governorates controlled by AA remained largely stable at YER 538/USD 1.
• The IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix reported that 2,184 people were displaced in August, the highest number since November 2023. This increase led JMR to raise 23 heightened risk alerts in Al Hodeidah, Ibb, Lahj, Ma’rib, Sana’a City, and Ta’iz. Overall, between 1 January and 31 August, over 13,900 people were displaced in or mostly within the governorates of Al Hodeidah, Ma’rib and Ta’iz in Yemen.