Photo by [Daily Sabah]
“If we had to think of Yemen as a person, that person would be in the ICU. They’re on life support and in need,” said Abdul Aleem Gamza, the Head of Fund Development at Islamic Relief South Africa.
The analogy used by Gamza highlights the severity of Yemen’s situation, which has been compounded not only by years of conflict displacing millions of people but also by various other challenges, including extreme food insecurity, harsh climate conditions, and diseases like cholera and Covid-19.
“There are severe climatic conditions that are affecting them. Disease outbreaks, no clean running water and the economy collapsed.”
Islamic Relief warns the country is teetering on the brink of famine, and the staggering 20 million Yemenis urgently require humanitarian aid to survive. This humanitarian crisis has become one of the worst in the world, putting the lives and well-being of millions at risk.
The Most Vulnerable in Yemen
In any crisis marked by conflict and scarcity, the most vulnerable members of society bear the brunt of its impact. Among the estimated 20 million Yemenis requiring humanitarian aid, a substantial portion comprises children.
According to Gamza, nearly 2.3 million children under five suffer from malnourishment, while the rest grapple with severe hunger.
Feeding malnourished individuals presents challenges due to their need for specialised food. This nourishment typically takes the form of a paste, which has significant cost implications.
“When somebody is severely malnourished, you cannot give them food. You cannot pull out a plate of food and say let’s eat. They feed by a paste. A paste that is specially designed because [they] are severely malnourished. That paste obviously has a costing implication. However, the more of this paste is available, the more children we can see to.”
SMread| Preserving the legacy of Dr. Farouk Meer: Inspiring the pursuit of social justice today
Urgent Appeal to Assist Yemen in Whichever Way Possible
Islamic Relief has maintained a presence in Yemen since 1998, operating in various regions nationwide. Their support for the people of Yemen encompasses food interventions, providing clean water and medication, and constructing essential facilities while extending assistance to vulnerable children.
Despite their positive impact and continuous efforts, Gamza emphasises the people of Yemen remain in dire need. Therefore, he urges South Africans to persist in contributing whatever they can to relief efforts in Yemen and other countries facing similar challenges.
“We must remember … No matter how small the contribution, a little goes a long way. It’s all about the intention.”
