The latest Joint Monitoring Report (JMR) modeling provides insight into the food security situation in Yemen up to June 2024. According to the report, 2.6 million people are living in areas at risk of deteriorating into Emergency (IPC Phase 4) or worse food insecurity conditions. This represents a decrease of 300,000 people (11%) from the previous report in April 2024. Majority of these at-risk populations are located in areas under the Government of Yemen (GoY) control.
In May, food insecurity worsened in GoY-controlled areas, with 54% of households reporting inadequate food consumption based on the FAO High Frequency Monitoring. Similarly, areas under Ansar Allah (AA) control also reported worsening food security, affecting 42% of households. The use of severe food-based coping strategies decreased slightly in GoY areas but remained unchanged in AA areas. However, crisis and emergency livelihood coping strategies increased in GoY areas while decreasing in AA areas. The prevalence of inadequate food consumption in May was high in both areas, reaching 60% for GoY-controlled households and 57% among AA-controlled areas according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
The IPC malnutrition analysis reveals a significant deterioration in GoY-controlled areas, with an estimated 609,809 acutely malnourished children under five, including 118,570 severe cases. Additionally, 222,000 pregnant and lactating women are also malnourished. Four districts in Al Hodeidah and Ta’iz are projected to face extremely critical levels of malnutrition by October 2024.
Yemen is grappling with a severe outbreak of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and suspected cholera, with nearly 105,000 cases reported since October 2023. The prevalence of these diseases is particularly high in AA-controlled areas, putting malnourished children at increased risk.
The exchange rate indicator in June flagged critical risk alerts in GoY governorates, with a record-high monthly average depreciation of the Yemeni rial compared to the same period in 2023. On the other hand, the exchange rate in AA-controlled governorates remained stable. The conflict indicator recorded heightened risk alerts, driven by fatal incidents in various districts, signaling ongoing security challenges.
Displacement tracking data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates a decrease in new displacements in June, though displacement continues to be a concern in Yemen. The country has also faced limited drought conditions in some areas due to insufficient rainfall.
Food and fuel imports remained consistent in May and June, albeit subject to fluctuations. The cost of the minimum food basket increased in both GoY and AA-controlled areas, reflecting economic challenges. Recent financial disruptions, including measures taken by both sides, have further destabilized the financial system, impacting food security.
Looking ahead, increased rainfall is expected to enhance farming conditions in some areas but pose flood risks in others. The risk of flash floods could exacerbate food security and waterborne diseases, especially in vulnerable regions.
In conclusion, the data presented in the Joint Monitoring Report highlights the ongoing challenges facing Yemen in terms of food security, malnutrition, health crises, economic instability, and displacement. Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to mitigate the humanitarian impact on the population.
