Half the people in government-held areas of Yemen face acute hunger

On 21 May, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released an analysis covering the areas of Yemen controlled by the government. It found nearly 5 million people at crisis level or worse between March and May 2026, including 1.4 million at emergency level. That is about one in two people in these areas (IPC).

The analysis names the main causes as a worsening economic crisis, ongoing conflict and instability, and the seasonal lean period (IPC).

It projected that during the June to September lean season, 5.4 million people would be at crisis level or worse, including 1.6 million at emergency level, and that needs would stay severe through the end of the year (IPC). The analysis covers government-controlled areas only; it does not include the rest of the country.

Key figures

• Nearly 5 million people at crisis level or worse, March to May 2026 (IPC)
• 1.4 million people at emergency level (IPC)
• 5.4 million projected at crisis level or worse for June to September (IPC)

Sources

• IPC: Yemen (Government of Yemen-controlled areas): Acute Food Insecurity Situation, March–May 2026, and Projections (partial analysis) (21 May 2026)
• Food Security Portal (IFPRI): Yemen: Acute Food Insecurity, March–May 2026 (IPC partial analysis) (21 May 2026)

Photo: irwan zahuri / Pexels · Tarim, Hadhramaut, Yemen