Newborn twins in Yemen are fighting for survival as a severe hunger crisis impacts families displaced by the ongoing civil war.
Raghad and Raad are newborn twins from Yemen. They were born seven weeks ago during a time of intense conflict. Their family fled their home in the Kahboub mountains as war arrived. They faced bombs and drones while escaping to safety.
Then, the family walked for three days toward the city of Aden. The journey was extremely difficult for the small infants. They suffered from cold, dust, and sickness while traveling. Their parents struggled to find any transportation along the way.
After that, the family reached al-Sadaqah hospital in poor condition. Doctors described the twins as just skin and bone. Both babies suffered from severe acute malnutrition due to the ongoing conflict. Their father struggled to afford milk as prices rose during the war.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to worsen. The United Nations reports that 250,000 people lost their homes recently. Fighting between Houthi rebels and government forces blocks vital aid for many citizens.
Next, medical staff at the hospital worked hard to the children. Nurse Aisha Ragab helped the twins secure a shared bed. Lina, the mother, tried to feed them fortified milk to restore their health. Still, the babies remain in a fragile state.
Also, the hospital faces major resource shortages. Many doors remain locked due to a lack of funding and staff. Doctors lack basic equipment like ventilators and oxygen tanks. Consequently, they lose patients who might otherwise survive.
Finally, the cycle of hunger persists for families across the region. Many children return to the hospital shortly after their release. Parents simply cannot afford food, vitamins, or medicine for their families. Most have lost their livelihoods due to the violence.
As a result, the father now sleeps on the street with his other children. The family has no home and no way to earn money. They represent a generation scarred by the invisible wounds of this long war.