Socotra Island [Yemen], June 4 (ANI/WAM): The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a vital humanitarian initiative aimed at tackling malnutrition among women and children on Socotra Island, Yemen. This effort underscores the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to enhancing healthcare systems globally and addressing urgent nutritional challenges in vulnerable regions.
Socotra faces serious malnutrition issues, with the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate reaching 10.9 percent and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) at 1.6 percent among children under five. According to international standards, GAM rates between 10 to 14 percent are classified as serious, and SAM rates above 1 percent are considered alarming, highlighting the urgency of intervention.
Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Khalifa Foundation, emphasized the UAE’s humanitarian mission rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He stated, “We are determined to effectively address food and health challenges faced by women and children in Socotra, in collaboration with the WHO.”
The Foundation will collaborate closely with WHO to develop tailored solutions informed by a new, data-driven nutritional survey. The joint initiative spans two years and aims to reduce maternal and child mortality related to malnutrition. It includes strengthening maternal, infant, and child healthcare services and enhancing emergency preparedness and epidemic response capabilities.
Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo, Acting WHO Representative in Yemen, highlighted the shared vision of resilient health systems, saying, “Together with the UAE and national authorities, we are working to address urgent needs and lay the foundation for long-term health security on the Island.”
This initiative forms part of broader UAE-WHO efforts in Yemen to provide immediate food relief, curb nutritional decline, and bolster healthcare infrastructure through training medical staff, supplying medicines, and establishing emergency readiness. It also aims for sustainable solutions that ensure food security, improve disease surveillance, raise community awareness, and enable effective medical interventions based on continuous assessment.
The partnership marks a critical step towards building stronger, equitable health systems to support the people of Socotra and contribute to a healthier, more resilient Yemen. (ANI/WAM)
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