Fighting malnutrition in Yemen: the story of Saida and Sara

In Yemen, protracted conflict has plunged the country into a severe humanitarian crisis. Acute malnutrition affects millions of children, as well as pregnant and breast-feeding women, weakened by food insecurity and the collapse of health infrastructures. In Raymah governorate, more than half of the population faces extreme food insecurity.

LIFE CHANGING CARE

Born in Al Jabin, six-month-old Sara suffered from severe malnutrition. Her weight was dangerously low and her appetite almost non-existent. Her mother, Saida, heard about Première Urgence Internationale’s Therapeutic Feeding Centre through her neighbors. The Centre offers free, specialized care for children suffering from acute malnutrition and medical complications.

In February 2024, and two months later when Sara’s condition worsened, Saida took her daughter to the Al Jabin Therapeutic Feeding Center. Thanks to an intensive care program, Sara gained weight and her health improved considerably. While her baby was being cared for her nutritional and medical needs, Saida received psychosocial support which enable her to care care of herself, and three meals a day.

Medical support, education and empowerment: a holistic approach

The Al Jabin therapeutic feeding center offers much more than medical treatment. Saida took part in workshops at the “Mother and Baby Space”, a place dedicated to health and nutrition education and supporting mothers. There, she learned essential notions about breastfeeding, hygiene, child nutrition, the prevention of domestic accidents and the mental well-being of mothers and children.

This knowledge, complemented by practical tips such as baby massage, has strengthened Saida’s ability to care for her children and improve their daily lives.

“ Before, I had little awareness of the impact of these practices on my family’s health.. Now I’m ready to share this knowledge with other mothers,” confided Saida.

Inspired by the team at the Nutrition Centre, Saida is now looking forward to a brighter future for her family.

Première Urgence Internationale’s integrated approach – medicine, health and nutrition education, and psychosocial support – builds community resilience in the context of crisis.

Learn more about our mission in Yemen

These activities were made possible thanks to funding from USAID/BHA