Current Situation of Malnutrition among Children Under Five Years of Age at Aden Governorate - Yemen

Abstract

It is estimated that nearly 45% of deaths in children under five are attributable to malnutrition, which is a significant factor hindering the development of 230 million children and subjecting 50 million children to severe wasting. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has exacerbated the nation's preexisting challenges, including poverty, an inadequate healthcare system, and a scarcity of key resources like as water and medications. Severe malnutrition has significantly escalated as a pervasive issue in Yemen. The objective of the study is to evaluate the nutritional condition of children under five years of age and to identify the relevant factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on children under the age of five. Structured questionnaires were employed to collect data, and various parameters of malnutrition were examined. The study involved 410 Yemeni children aged under 5 years. The findings of this study indicated that the prevalence of malnutrition among females (53.7%) exceeds that of boys (46.3%), with breastfeeding children at 34.1%, and children weaned before four months constituting 29.3%. Moreover, the individuals examined who had malnutrition achieved full recovery at a rate of about 26.8%. This study highlights the significant effect of hunger on child health in Yemen, especially under the continuing civil conflict. The significant prevalence of malnutrition, along with barriers to food access, healthcare, and nutrition education, demands immediate intervention. Tackling malnutrition is crucial for safeguarding children's well-being and fostering sustainable development in Yemen