Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake on Hospital Attack in Yemen

NEW YORK (October 27, 2015) – “The health facility reportedly attacked today in Saada, Yemen, is the 39th health center hit since the violence escalated in March. Critical shortages of fuel, medications, electricity, petrol and water threaten to stop many more from operating.

“More children in Yemen may well die from a lack of medicines and healthcare than from bullets and bombs. The threat of preventable diseases is acute and the number of children at risk of the deadliest form of malnutrition has tripled to more than half a million.

“Across the country, 10 million children require humanitarian aid. Once again, we appeal to all of those involved to respect international humanitarian law and to bring an end to this tragedy.”

About UNICEFThe United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact: Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org