The top United Nations aid official landed in the Yemeni port city of Aden yesterday, embarking on a five-day trip aimed at drawing attention to the cholera-stricken country.
“I decided to come to Yemen because I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis that has continued to deteriorate,” said Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Mark Lowcock.
It is his first visit to Yemen since assuming the post on September 1.
Lowcock said the trip would include meetings with officials in Aden, the seat of the internationally recognised government, as well as regular Yemenis impacted by the conflict.
“I plan to meet many of the most vulnerable Yemeni people we serve to listen to their concerns and aspirations, and take their stories to the international community,” he said.
Humanitarian responders have this year provided direct aid to more than 7mn Yemenis living on the brink of famine, according to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Since 2014, a rebel alliance has fought Yemen’s UN-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi for control of the country.
Boys walk in their school damaged by a recent Saudi-led air strike, in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, yesterday.
