In Al-Ribat Camp, located in Lahj, displaced families face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and basic services. This is where Mazen, the youngest of six children, lives with his family. Originally from Al-Hodeidah, the family has lived in the camp for the past six years. With limited access to sanitation and clean water, and an unstable household income, Mazen’s health began to decline.
When the INTERSOS Mobile Clinic Team met Mazen in August, his condition was serious. He weighed 3.6 kg and his Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) was 9.5 cm. These measurements indicated that Mazen was suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), a condition that requires immediate medical and nutritional intervention.
Mazen was promptly enrolled in a nutrition programme, thanks to the European Union humanitarian support. Over the following weeks, he received therapeutic food, routine medical care, and vitamin supplements. Alongside this medical support, his mother participated in sessions on infant and young child feeding and hygiene practices to help prevent future health issues.
Through consistent follow-up visits and care, Mazen showed steady improvement. By November, his weight had increased to 6.6 kg and his MUAC reached 13.7 cm, moving him out of the high-risk category. His mother has noted that he is now much more active and falls ill far less frequently.
Real chance to recover
Mazen’s case highlights the practical impact of mobile clinic teams in South Yemen. By reaching communities that are otherwise cut off from standard healthcare, these teams can detect malnutrition early and provide the sustained support necessary for a child to recover. INTERSOS Health and Nutrition Manager highlights:
“Working in Al-Ribat camp means confronting not only poverty and poor living conditions, but also significant barriers to accessing sustained nutrition care, as many families have little to no income and cannot afford transportation for repeated treatment visits. Because of our long-standing presence, through our mobile clinics, such communities now have better access to essential nutrition services. We are delivering life-saving care directly to the most vulnerable and building the trust needed to give every child a real chance to recover and grow healthy.”
This story is part of a broader intervention funded by the European Union, through which INTERSOS delivers comprehensive nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition among vulnerable children and women. As of the end of March 2026, a total of 18,358 children were screened for malnutrition, alongside 9,152 pregnant and lactating women. Preventive efforts were further strengthened through health education sessions reaching 32,686 individuals, 8,688 children under five receiving deworming treatment, and 2,178 children benefiting from Vitamin A supplementation. In terms of treatment, 774 children aged 6–59 months with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) were admitted to outpatient therapeutic programmes, of whom 601 were successfully cured, with no recorded deaths and only minimal defaulting. Cases requiring specialized care were referred appropriately, including 3 children with complications transferred to stabilization centres. Additionally, 1,331 children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and 495 pregnant and lactating women were admitted to targeted supplementary feeding programmes, contributing to 1,332 children recovering from MAM. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices were also promoted, with 9,441 mothers receiving counselling, reinforcing sustainable improvements in child nutrition and care practices.