The main health centre in Aslam district was crowded with emaciated children during a recent visit by the Associated Press. At least 20 children are known to have died of starvation already this year in the province that includes the district. At least 8.4 million of Yemen’s 29 million people would starve if they didn’t receive international aid, a number that grew by a quarter the past year, according to U.N. figures. Under heavy pressure from Houthi authorities, international agencies like WFP and UNICEF and their Yemeni partners are required to use lists of needy provided by local officials. Zahra’s mother said only “the big heads” — the better-off and well-connected — end up with international aid.

Source: National Post September 14, 2018 17:03 UTC