Every ten minutes a child in Yemen dies from preventable causes – war, starvation or disease. There’s no wonder that mothers across the country are worrying: what kind of place is Yemen for a child to be born in?
On top of malnutrition and the collapse of the health system, pregnant women suffer deep psychological trauma that can cause complications during childbirth.
“My previous births were by caesarean sections," says Anwaar, already a mother of two.
"I suffered a lot during these births because of high blood pressure and stress. That’s why I’m keen on repeated visits to the Reproductive Health Unit."
"I suffered a lot during these births because
of high blood pressure and stress."
With UNICEF’s support these check-ups are free. Anwaar’s midwife Aman Al-Jalas has worked at the hospital for 28 years. “Taking care of a pregnant woman’s nutrition and reproductive health is important to reduce the complications that a baby may suffer after birth," says Aman Al-Jalas.
But food is an increasingly rare commodity in Yemen.