KSrelief and WHO agree $1.55 million project for malnourished children in Yemen

RIYADH — Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed a $1.55 million partnership to treat children in Yemen with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications, Arab News reported on 17 October 2026.

According to Arab News, the 12-month project will see WHO buy and distribute 402 pediatric and severe acute malnutrition kits to 35 therapeutic feeding centers. The kits contain oral and injectable medicines, IV fluids, supplies and equipment.

Arab News said the project will cover priority areas in Abyan, Aden, Al-Dhale'e, Al-Mahrah, Al-Mukalla, Lahj, Marib, Seiyun, Shabwah, Socotra and Taiz. It is also meant to help keep essential services running at the centers.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, said in a WHO statement that the interventions "will help children with severe acute malnutrition to recover," according to Arab News.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Moallem, director of KSrelief's Health and Environmental Aid Department, told Arab News the agreement would "strengthen access to specialized medical treatment and nutritional care." He said KSrelief also recognizes the importance of early detection and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition.

Dr. Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO representative to Yemen, said the partnership came at a critical time for children and families, according to Arab News.

Background

Arab News cited the UN World Food Programme (WFP) as saying 18.3 million people in Yemen face acute food insecurity. It said 2.2 million children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition.

According to the same report, Yemen imports about 90 percent of its food. WFP monitoring found that 74 percent of households cannot meet basic food needs, which Arab News described as the highest level recorded so far this year.

Arab News said WHO has warned that malnutrition remains a major threat to child survival in Yemen. The article's final sentence, on coordination arrangements for the project, was cut off in the source text.