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Yemen Food Security Outlook Update, August 2017

Countries
Yemen
Sources
FEWS NET
Publication date
Origin
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Large-scale food security Emergency (IPC Phase 4) continues in Yemen

Key Messages

  • Large populations in Yemen continue to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity, the latter of which is associated with increased acute malnutrition and an increased risk of excess mortality. In a worst-case scenario, significant declines in commercial imports below requirement levels and conflict that cuts populations off from trade and humanitarian assistance for an extended period could drive food security outcomes in line with Famine (IPC Phase 5).
  • Large-scale humanitarian assistance continues to play an important role in reducing the severity of acute food insecurity outcomes in Yemen. In July 2017, WFP distributed humanitarian assistance to approximately 6.1 million beneficiaries. At current funding and assistance levels, WFP expects to continue providing assistance through October 2017.
  • In mid-August, the Central Bank of Yemen based in Aden floated the Yemeni Rial (YER), although the rival central bank in Sana’a did not agree to implement the exchange rate decision. In the weeks since the decision was announced, initial reports suggest the official exchange rate of the Central Bank of Yemen based in Aden has ranged between 370-372 YER/USD, compared to 250 YER/USD prior to the announcement.
  • A major cholera outbreak continues in Yemen, with approximately 542,278 suspected cases identified and 2,003 deaths reported between April 27 and August 20, 2017. The spread of cholera has slowed significantly in some areas compared to peak levels, but the disease is still spreading fast in more recently affected districts and in remote villages. Populations facing both food consumption gaps and cholera are at the highest risk of increased mortality.