UAE & WHO launch humanitarian initiative to combat malnutrition on Socotra Island –

 The United Arab Emirates and the World Health Organization have launched a comprehensive humanitarian initiative to combat severe malnutrition affecting women and children on Yemen’s Socotra Island, where international health metrics indicate crisis-level conditions among the most vulnerable populations.The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works announced the two-year program as part of the strategic partnership between the UAE and WHO, targeting an island where acute malnutrition rates have reached alarming thresholds that demand immediate international intervention.Global health reports indicate that Socotra Island’s Global Acute Malnutrition rate among children under five has reached 10.9 percent, with Severe Acute Malnutrition affecting 1.6 percent of this population. International health standards classify GAM rates between 10 and 14 percent as serious, while SAM rates above 1 percent are considered alarming, placing Socotra’s children in a critical health emergency.Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Foundation, emphasized that the initiative reflects the UAE’s global humanitarian responsibility rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership. Al Khouri stated the program aims to effectively address food and health challenges through collaboration with WHO, focusing specifically on reducing maternal and child mortality caused by malnutrition.The comprehensive action plan encompasses multiple strategic components designed to create lasting health improvements on the isolated island. The initiative will enhance maternal, infant, and child care services while improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities for potential epidemics. Healthcare infrastructure strengthening represents a core element, involving medical staff training, medication supplies, and establishment of emergency preparedness mechanisms.Acting WHO Representative in Yemen Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo described the partnership as reflecting a shared vision of building resilient health systems across Yemen. She emphasized that the collaboration with UAE and national authorities addresses urgent immediate needs while establishing foundations for long-term health security on Socotra Island.The program extends beyond immediate relief measures to implement sustainable solutions for malnutrition prevention and food security assurance. Community awareness campaigns will complement medical interventions, while improved disease surveillance systems will enable more effective responses based on ongoing assessments and studies.This initiative forms part of broader joint aid activities between the UAE and WHO throughout Yemen, designed to provide urgent food relief and prevent nutritional and health deterioration across various population groups. The partnership aims to construct stronger, more responsive and equitable health systems serving Socotra’s population while contributing to Yemen’s overall health resilience during its ongoing humanitarian crisis.