Malnutrition in Al-Hodeidah: Evidence of a Growing Epidemic

Malnutrition has emerged as importance and escalating public health emergency in Al Hodeidah, Yemen a region already burdened by years of armed conflict, economic instability, and a deteriorating healthcare infrastructure. The study investigates whether the current levels of malnutrition in the governorate meet internationally recognized thresholds for classification as an epidemic. Drawing on recent data from UNICEF, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification IPC, and Médecins Sans Frontières MSF, the research highlights a sharp rise in cases of Global Acute Malnutrition GAM, particularly among children under five and pregnant or lactating women. The analysis reveals that the prevalence of acute malnutrition in several districts of Al Hodeidah especially Hays and Al Khawkhah has surpassed 30%, exceeding the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15%, and qualifying for IPC Phase 5, the highest and most severe humanitarian crisis category. These alarming figures are compounded by multiple risk factors, including chronic food insecurity, limited access to clean water, frequent disease outbreaks, and insufficient humanitarian assistance. The paper argues that the convergence of these challenges has pushed Al Hodeidah into a state of nutritional emergency that meets both statistical and contextual criteria for an epidemic. The findings underscore the urgent need for a coordinated response from national authorities, international donors, and humanitarian organizations to mitigate further deterioration and prevent widespread mortality. Ultimately, the research aims to inform public health interventions, strengthen early warning systems, and advocate for sustainable solutions to Yemen’s deepening malnutrition crisis.