UAE And WHO Collaborate On Humanitarian Initiative To Address Malnutrition In Socotra Island

The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works has initiated a project to tackle malnutrition in Socotra Island, Yemen. This effort is part of a strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The initiative underscores the UAE's dedication to enhancing global healthcare, particularly addressing nutritional deficiencies affecting children and women in Socotra.

Global statistics indicate that Socotra faces significant nutritional challenges. The island's Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate stands at 10.9 percent, while Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) affects 1.6 percent of children under five. International standards classify GAM rates between 10 and 14 percent as serious, and SAM rates above 1 percent as alarming.

Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Foundation, highlighted the UAE's commitment to global humanitarian responsibilities. He stated, "This stems from the enduring humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We are determined to effectively address food and health challenges faced by women and children in Socotra, in collaboration with the WHO."

The Khalifa Foundation plans to collaborate with WHO to create solutions for nutritional and health issues using updated data surveys. This joint initiative aims to reduce maternal and child mortality due to malnutrition through a two-year comprehensive action plan. It will enhance maternal, infant, and child care services while improving emergency preparedness for epidemics.

Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo, Acting WHO Representative in Yemen, remarked on the partnership's goals: "This joint effort reflects our shared vision of building resilient health systems in Yemen. Together with the UAE and national authorities we are working to address urgent needs and lay the foundation for long-term health security on the Island."

The initiative is part of broader aid activities by the UAE and WHO in Yemen. It aims to provide immediate food relief while addressing nutritional and health deterioration among various groups. The project will bolster healthcare infrastructure in Socotra by training medical staff, supplying medications, and establishing emergency preparedness mechanisms.

Sustainable Solutions for Malnutrition

This initiative also seeks sustainable solutions for malnutrition by ensuring food security, raising community awareness, and improving disease surveillance. These efforts aim for more effective medical interventions based on ongoing assessments and studies.

Through this collaboration, WHO and the UAE strive to build stronger, more responsive health systems that serve Socotra's people. Their goal is to contribute towards a healthier Yemen with improved resilience against future challenges.

With inputs from WAM