Twins Raghad Hassan and Raad were born prematurely seven weeks ago in Yemen, where Houthi rebel fighters and government forces are currently engaged in a civil war. The infants were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition amid the ongoing violence.
Houthi rebels reached a village in the Kahboub mountains in south-west Yemen, forcing a family of seven to flee their home. Bajash Ali Sagir Hassan and his family walked for three days to reach the port city of Aden, leaving behind 10 sheep during their escape.
"It was very difficult," Bajash Ali Sagir Hassan said regarding the journey. The father has three older children under the age of five.
The United Nations reported that approximately 800,000 people can no longer receive lifesaving aid, while 500,000 Yemeni children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year. Houthi forces have completely cut off Taiz, the country's third largest city, while the internationally-recognised government fights back with Saudi air strikes.
Al-Sadaqah hospital has 22 beds, but staff admitted only 13 patients at a time. "It's sad to say, but we lose patients [because of the conditions]," said Dr Noor Mohammed.
Dr Noor Mohammed added, "We don't have good equipment like ventilation machines, and oxygen bottles."
