United Nations, June 3 (RHC)-- The United Nations is appealing for $2.4 billion to carry out humanitarian operations in Yemen as the nation faces a dual “tragedy” fueled by the coronavirus and years of devastating war.  

Save the Children warns over 5 million Yemenis are at risk of losing access to food and clean water.  An international pledging conference, hosted by the U.N. and Saudi Arabia, also addressed the issue of Yemen. 

The U.S.-backed, Saudi-led war in Yemen has created the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.  Data from intensive care units suggest 20% of patients treated for COVID-19 in Yemen are dying, compared with a global average of 7%.  While Yemen officially has registered around 350 cases and over 80 deaths, the country has one of the lowest testing rates in the world, and the true toll is expected to be much higher.