The youth of Northwest Syria had significant malnutrition rates early this year with 9 out of 10 children not eating minimally acceptable diets. This problem worsened with humanitarian funding gaps that forced the closure of 77 health facilities, including 9 hospitals for women and children. Many more are expected to close due to the ongoing reduction of aid. The WFP estimates that $459 million is needed through December 2024 to ensure assistance reaches those most in need. To address this crisis, the funding gap needs to be addressed, and donors need to prioritize iron deficiency; maternal and child health initiatives—such as malnutrition treatment, immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and growth monitoring; safe drinking water; and nutrition education to the most vulnerable.
