The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Combating Malnutrition in Yemen: A Systematic Review of Interventions, Effectiveness, and Impact (2020-2025)

Yemen continues to face one of the world’s gravest malnutrition crises, with nearly five million children under five and 2.7 million pregnant and lactating women requiring urgent nutrition support. NGOs lead most community-based malnutrition interventions; however, the overall effectiveness and coordination of their efforts remain insufficiently documented. This review synthesizes evidence on NGO roles, interventions, outcomes, and challenges in addressing malnutrition in Yemen. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic review across PubMed, Scopus, WHO Global Health Library, ESPEN, World Bank repositories, and NGO/UN grey literature from 2020–2025. Two reviewers independently screened records using predefined criteria. Data extraction covered intervention types, geographic reach, outcomes, coordination mechanisms, and implementation barriers. Evidence quality was assessed using AACODS and an adapted ROBINS-I tool. Thirty-five studies and reports met inclusion criteria. Key NGOs included IRC, Save the Children, Action Against Hunger, and MSF. Interventions consisted of community-based management of acute malnutrition, supplementary feeding, micronutrient support, and integrated health–nutrition services. Treatment results were strong, with cure rates of 85–88% and mortality below 3%, meeting Sphere standards. Coverage disparities persisted, particularly in northern and conflict-affected areas. Nutrition Cluster coordination improved information sharing, though overlaps and gaps remained. Major barriers included insecurity, funding shortages, limited workforce capacity, supply chain disruptions, and weak health systems. Evidence quality was high or moderate in most sources. NGOs deliver high-quality nutrition services at scale despite severe constraints; however, major coverage and sustainability gaps remain. Strengthened coordination, increased funding, and enhanced government partnerships are essential.