Health workers and children battle against malnutrition in Yemen

This is the story of Hamad's recovery and what it reveals about the ongoing struggle to combat malnutrition in Yemen.

“For one day and a half, my baby couldn’t eat or drink and was very lethargic, almost as if he were lifeless,” recalled his mother, Zakia. “We tried everything we could, but he kept getting worse. It was terrifying.”

In a country grappling with one of the world's worst nutrition crises, the difference between life and death often hinges on timing of hospitalization, treatment, and trust. This was exemplified at the Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC) located within the 22 May Health Center in Al-Mudhafar district, Taizz, Yemen, when a severely malnourished nine-months-old Hamad was brought in.

Displaced from Mokha in Taizz and residing in an internally displaced persons camp, Hamad suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. His situation was critical, but thanks to the swift intervention of frontline health workers, he was able to survive.

By the time the family managed to arrive at the health center, Hamad’s condition had significantly worsened. Like many displaced families, they lacked the money for treatment and had no means of transportation to seek care sooner. Hamad was first taken to a small clinic nearby the IDP camp, but he did not get any better with the medications given to him.

So, the parents had to make a trip to hospitalize their son at the nearest specialized TFC, which was in the 22 May Health center. It took them half an hour to reach the center.

Dr. Abdulsalam Haider, Head of the Nutrition Unit, vividly remembers that day. “Last month, Hamad was brought to the health center. His condition was bad,” he stated. “We immediately referred him to the inpatient ward and initiated urgent care, which included therapeutic milk, antibiotics, and rehydration with Resomal.”

Hamad received F-75 and F-100 therapeutic milks, zinc, Resomal, and IV antibiotics under the close supervision of trained medical staff. “We isolate severe cases and monitor them constantly,” explained nurse Intisar Hassan. “He was very lethargic, but his response to the treatment protocol was swift. After a few days, his diarrhea stopped, and he began to gain weight. By the end of the week, he had improved by 70%.”

For the first time in weeks, Hamad's family could breathe a little easier.

However, the health workers were aware that recovery would not be straightforward. Yemen’s health system is under significant strain, with many children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) who require urgent medical support for various complications. “We do what we can, while relying on external support to continue our efforts,” said Intisar.

After Hamad’s discharge, he continues treatment at the UNICEF supported Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) in the same health center, where regular follow-up and nutritional supplements have helped him regain strength. Hamad was referred to the OTP to continue the treatment protocol by receiving the Ready to use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and the other routine medications for two weeks with a treatment roadmap to revisit the OTP every week till full recovery.   

His mother now knows how important feeding and breastfeeding are especially during illness. “I’ve learned to prepare special food and not stop breastfeeding him when he is sick,” said Zakia.

The clinic team reinforced these messages. “One of the biggest issues we see is mothers stopping breastfeeding during diarrhea, which worsens the malnutrition,” said Dr. Abdulsalam. “Another is sharing therapeutic food with siblings because the household has so little food to feed everyone.” 

UNICEF support through provision of therapeutic milk contributed to treating Hamad from severe acute malnutrition. 

In addition, thanks to support from UNOCHA (CERF) and the UNICEF Italian and Polish National Committees, UNICEF Yemen has been able to continue its support Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) at the 22 May Health Center in Taizz. 

For now, Hamad is safe—nourished, cared for, and back in his mother’s arms.

“Today is just a follow-up,” Zakia said softly. “But for us, it means everything.”