The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a sharp increase in acute food insecurity in Yemen, as recent developments in the conflict have led to the displacement of families, disruption of markets, and restrictions on humanitarian aid access. According to the WFP, over 149,000 people have been displaced in Yemen, with many having previously experienced displacement due to the conflict.
The WFP's recent monitoring in accessible areas of Yemen revealed that 74% of households are unable to meet their basic food needs, a record high for the year, indicating a significant deterioration in food security. The programme reported that 18.3 million people across Yemen face acute food insecurity, with 2.2 million children under five suffering from severe malnutrition, including 500,000 children with severe acute malnutrition.
The WFP is working to expand food assistance to newly displaced families, aiming to reach up to 1.5 million people. However, the programme's ability to deliver aid is threatened by limited access to relief supplies. In September, the WFP delivered food assistance to more people than in any other month in 2026, responding to urgent and critical needs.
The WFP is pre-positioning supplies in main displacement areas and is prepared to scale up its emergency response to reach up to 1.5 million people if the conflict escalates and leads to further displacement. The programme is also working with partners to provide support to response efforts in Djibouti, where over 3,700 people have fled the conflict in Yemen.
The conflict in Yemen has led to a significant increase in displacement, with the International Organization for Migration reporting that nearly 130,000 people have been displaced since the conflict escalated. The WFP's warning of acute food insecurity comes as the conflict continues to have a devastating impact on civilians.
The situation in Yemen is further complicated by the rise in prices and restrictions on access to food. The WFP's efforts to provide food assistance are critical to preventing a further deterioration in food security. The programme's work is supported by various partners, including the Egyptian Radio and Television Union.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with the conflict having a devastating impact on civilians. The WFP's warning highlights the need for sustained support to address the acute food insecurity faced by millions of people in Yemen. Key efforts are being made to address the crisis, with a focus on providing food assistance to those in need.
Key points
- 18.3 million people face acute food insecurity in Yemen.
- 2.2 million children under five suffer from severe malnutrition.
- WFP aims to reach up to 1.5 million people with food assistance.
