WFP: Food prices rise in Yemen due to coronavirus

The coronavirus has led to a rise in food prices in Yemen, World Food Programme (WFP) warned yesterday.

“Rising food prices caused by #Covid19 pandemic will hit vulnerable families the hardest,” WFP said on Twitter.

The humanitarian organisation stressed on the necessity of continuing food assistance to the war-torn country, describing the aid as a “lifeline” for Yemenis.

"My monthly income is never enough to buy even half of what I receive from WFP. Food prices are higher than I can afford." – Adony from #Yemen
Rising food prices caused by #Covid19 pandemic will hit vulnerable families the hardest. Food assistance is a lifeline. pic.twitter.com/rEWjJBx0I5

— WFP Yemen (@WFPYemen) May 12, 2020

WFP said last month that it would cut its aid in Yemen’s northern regions due to a “lack of funding” and “hurdles while working in an extremely difficult environment in the Houthi-controlled areas.”

On Tuesday, the internationally-recognised Yemeni government reported a total of 65 coronavirus cases, including ten fatalities. In addition, the Houthis’ of Health announced that there are two confirmed cases of the virus in the areas under the group’s control, and two fatalities in the capital Sanaa.

UN: coronavirus cases increased five-fold within 1 week in Yemen