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USAID Programs Push Yemen toward National Stability 

USAID ProgramsYemen has one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises due to prolonged instability after Houthi insurgents took control of Yemen’s capital and largest city in 2014. Now, out of the 35.2 million Yemeni citizens, at least 18.2 million live in severe poverty and rely on foreign aid. The United States government actively provides humanitarian aid to Yemen. In 2024, it announced nearly $220 million in funding to advance Yemen’s transition toward stability. USAID programs in Yemen target key areas that require development and support and are integral to the survival of the Yemeni population.

Food Security

In Yemen, 17.6 million people face high levels of food and nutrition insecurity. USAID funding supports the efforts of the World Food Programme (WFP) and seven NGOs to provide food assistance across Yemen. The funding provides communities with U.S. and locally sourced commodities and cash vouchers for individuals without enough money to shop at local markets, according to a 2024 USAID fact sheet.

In October 2023, USAID contributed $10.1 million for ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) providing for 144,000 cases of treatment to severe and acute malnutrition.

Health

Years of conflict have left more than 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, yet 50%, of health facilities in Yemen are non-functioning or only partly functioning due to a lack of funds, medicines, supplies electricity, and equipment. USAID funding provides primary care and nutrition services to Yemen through static and mobile medical facilities. Additional funding equips health facilities with medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, according to a 2024 USAID fact sheet. USAID funding enabled the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide medical oxygen to more than 1 million patients at 25 hospitals in Yemen during 2021 and 2022.

Water Sanitation

Ongoing conflicts in Yemen increasingly destroy the country’s water and hygiene infrastructure. Now, Yemen faces one of the world’s worst water crises with 16 million people in urgent need of water sanitation and hygiene. With the help of USAID, an additional 1.8 million Yemenis have access to clean water and improved sanitation services in 2024. USAID funds the rehabilitation of water systems, improved sanitation services such as repaired sewage networks, and the installation of toilets and handwashing facilities in homes and health facilities.

Education

A lack of reliable school facilities and resources leaves millions of Yemeni children uneducated. USAID funding in Yemen reached 275,000 children across 676 formal and informal educational settings in 2024, according to the Yemen Country Profile. Aid funds teacher training, educational equipment, teaching materials, child protection, water sanitation and hygiene activities. Due to conflicts and natural disasters, USAID funds home learning programs to maintain education in communities battling school closures.

National Economy Support

USAID programs focus on strengthening the Yemeni economy hoping a stable national economy will increase overall stability in Yemen. USAID helped Yemen establish its first foreign exchange auctions, increasing transparency and stabilizing previously volatile exchange rates, while also supporting the implementation of 17 World Trade Organization (WTO) trade facilitation agreements. Additionally, USAID facilitated more than $2 million in export sales agreements. USAID works to strengthen economic institutions such as the Central Bank of Yemen.

Despite the severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflicts, the United States remains committed to providing crucial humanitarian support via USAID programs in Yemen. Through multi-faceted programs addressing food security, health, water and sanitation, education, and economic development, this assistance aims to alleviate suffering, build resilience, and support Yemen’s fragile transition towards stability. While challenges persist, this comprehensive approach demonstrates the international community’s dedication to helping Yemen overcome adversity and create a more promising future for its citizens.

– Lauren Thompson

Lauren is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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KSRelief-WHO Funding Agreement for Sudan, Syria and Yemen

KSRelief-WHO Funding Agreement for Sudan, Syria and Yemen Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Syria and Yemen have devastated public health institutions and affected millions. In Sudan, more than two-thirds of main hospitals are out of service, leaving 11 million people in need of urgent health care since April 2023. Syria faces a similar crisis, with more than 12.2 million people needing immediate medical attention due to inadequate health facility services. In Yemen, about 46% of health facilities are nonfunctional or partially operational, affecting 21.6 million people, at least two-thirds of the population. In response, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is actively providing crucial support and resources to address these health care challenges.

International Aid and Collaboration

On May 25, 2024, KSRelief signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to fund WHO’s critical health response operations in Sudan, Syria and Yemen to the amount of $19.4 million. Before signing the funding agreement, both organizations worked extensively to alleviate the pain the people in Sudan, Syria and Yemen endured.

At Jordan’s Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees, KSRelief has been operating medical clinics where doctors have provided health care assistance, including treatment for sinus and middle ear infections, to 2,349 Syrian patients. Similarly, WHO has been reinforcing disease surveillance in Sudan and Yemen to help countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia respond effectively to the health crises in these countries. KSRelief’s funding support to WHO’s critical health operations in Sudan, Syria and Yemen facilitates medical care on the ground.

Funding Dialysis Treatments in Sudan

KSRelief’s efforts includes providing $5 million to supply 100 dialysis machines and strengthen dialysis centers in Sudan. Currently, 77 renal dialysis centers in Sudan are only partially functioning and cannot provide life-saving dialysis treatment for the Sudanese people. According to the International Society of Nephrology, there are approximately 8,000 Sudanese people and more who have been relying on dialysis to stay alive since the conflict started. 

Healing Syria After the Earthquakes

On Feb. 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake in Syria destroyed many buildings, including essential hospitals and health clinics, affecting 8.8 million Syrians and resulting in the deaths of 5,954 Syrians. KSRelief supported WHO with a $4.75 million contribution to provide necessary medications and supplies to around 350,000 Syrians in need urgent health care. The funds allocated to Syria will also help WHO restore diagnostic capacity and ambulance services, assisting an estimated 4.1 million Syrians.

Countering Disease Outbreaks in Yemen

KSRelief is providing $9.5 million to support WHO’s operations in Yemen, focusing on strengthening responses to disease outbreaks like cholera and measles. Yemen currently faces over 40,000 suspected cholera cases and more than 34,000 cases of measles and rubella as of August 31, 2023. This funding also aims to help WHO enhance health care facilities in Yemen by improving their sanitation and hygiene services, thereby boosting their capacity to tackle disease outbreaks. These ongoing efforts are expected to benefit approximately 12.9 million Yemenis in urgent need of care due to the public health crisis.

Multilateral Collaboration to Address Critical Health Issues

KSRelief’s critical financial support to WHO’s health operations aims to ensure the safety of Sudanese, Syrian and Yemeni people who dream of a stable and secure future. The ongoing efforts highlight the impact multilateral collaboration between countries and organizations could have in addressing global health issues.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Yemen’s Water Crisis

Yemen's Water CrisisYemen, strategically located on the Southern Arab peninsula, has a rich history shaped by thousands of years of societal and dynastic changes, resulting in a diverse society. However, modern warfare and harsh weather conditions have contributed to significant water insecurity. In 2023, Human Rights Watch reported that 15.3 million Yemenis face water crisis, while other estimates suggest the number could be as high as 20 million. This makes Yemen one of the most water-scarce countries in the world.

Causes of the Water Crisis

The American Education Global Majority Journal identifies five primary causes for Yemen’s water crisis: high population growth, misguided agricultural policies, water consumption for qat cultivation, lack of law enforcement in water regulation and high vulnerability to climate change. Additionally, the ongoing conflict since 2014 has severely disrupted water and agricultural systems, particularly in peri-urban and internally displaced persons (IDP) areas. It impedes the construction of responsive infrastructure and diverts internal funding away from water projects. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing Yemeni security challenges.

Impact of the Water Crisis

The destruction of water and sanitation systems during wartime in Yemen has facilitated the spread of water-borne diseases. For instance, a cholera outbreak in 2016 spread across 19 governorates, affecting 53,000 people and it is estimated that half a million children suffer from diarrhea at any given time. Additionally, UNICEF predicts that 2 million boys and girls in Yemen are denied an education due to the scarcity of wells and flowing water networks. The need to travel miles for water often falls on children, pulling them away from their education. In the Dhamar governorate, for example, the water network has suffered significantly due to limited financial resources and the ongoing crisis, forcing many students to leave school to help fetch water from remote areas to support their families.

Currently, 257,000 hectares of Yemen’s agricultural land reveal signs of distress. Water scarcity not only reduces agricultural production but also exacerbates food and nutrition security issues, leading to widespread health problems. This is compounded by ongoing conflict that has disrupted agrifood systems throughout the country.

Local Efforts to Alleviate Yemen’s Water Crisis

Saba Relief, one of many local charity organizations in Yemen, provides water wells, family water tanks and public water tanks funded by public donations. This support enables families to access water without traveling long distances, freeing up time for other opportunities, such as schooling for children.

International Aid and Technological Innovations

International charities like Muslim Aid USA are leveraging scientific advancements such as solar water disinfection. Unlike conventional well pumps that use grid electricity, a solar-powered pump operates on free energy from the sun. Solar water wells use this solar energy to purify biologically contaminated water, significantly reducing disease risk and bringing stability to communities in drought-prone areas affected by wartime migration.

Another benefit of international involvement is the sharing of techniques and methods to tackle the water crisis in Yemen. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands has successfully implemented water-saving measures in agricultural practices, reducing usage by 19% from 72.6 cubic meters per hectare a year (approximately the volume of a one-car garage) to 58.56 cubic meters (about twice the volume of a large U-Haul truck) per hectare per year. The project began by importing modern irrigation equipment into the Sana basin. A second ongoing project builds on this success and aims to enhance water use efficiency further.

Strengthening Local Governance and Infrastructure

In 2023, the United Nations (U.N.) initiated the ‘Strengthening Inclusive Local Governance and Peacebuilding in Yemen’ project, which successfully rehabilitated the main water networks in Maghrib Ans and Al-Jadad. Samira Al-Qanoun, member of the Consultation Committee in Dhamar Governorate, praised the project, noting, “The rehabilitation of the network allows us access to clean and safe water, enhances our community safety and improves the overall living conditions of families.” Currently serving 420 households, the newly rehabilitated water network is set to expand service to more than 800 households, setting the stage for future community projects supported by international aid.

Toward a Sustainable Solution

As stated by Ahmed Ali Al-Dourani “We cannot achieve peace without providing access to clean and safe water to every community member.” Efforts to combat Yemen’s water crisis reveal promise through local initiatives and crucial international support. By continuing to embrace technological innovations and strengthening governance, Yemen could further enhance water access for its citizens.

– Kathryn Dodd

Kathryn is based in the UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Neglected Tropical Diseases in Yemen

Neglected Tropical Diseases in Yemen Amid the civil conflict in Yemen, neglected tropical diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are severely impacting citizens and challenging the country’s public health sector. For a time, these diseases became prevalent across Yemen. Fortunately, interventions by international NGOs, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), have been instrumental in curbing the spread of these diseases.

Dengue in Yemen

Dengue fever has significantly impacted Yemen, particularly over the past decade, with major outbreaks occurring in 2015 and 2019. Efforts to control the disease’s spread among Yemen’s conflict-affected population have been ongoing. In 2015 alone, Yemen experienced an unprecedented surge in dengue cases, with more than 6,777 suspected instances reported.

In 2019, Yemen reported 76,768 suspected dengue cases and 271 deaths, with 71% of all cases occurring in the Al Hodeidah region. This region alone recorded 5,524 cases and 11 deaths in the first month of 2019. Following the 2019 outbreak, the number of suspected dengue cases in 2020 surged to seven times the figures from 2019 and six times those from 2018.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis remains another neglected tropical disease in Yemen, which reports some of the highest case numbers worldwide. It is particularly prevalent in rural areas, with about 4,440 cases recorded in 2019. A 2023 study found that 33% of participants had active skin lesions or scars meeting the clinical criteria for leishmaniasis and 14.7% displayed suspected active lesions. The study confirmed a high prevalence of leishmaniasis in Yemen.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis remains a critical but neglected tropical disease in Yemen that urgently requires attention. In 2013, it was identified as the second leading cause of death after malaria, with an estimated 3 million cases. As of 2021, a survey revealed that the disease continues to affect a significant portion of the population. However, the risk of contracting schistosomiasis has decreased from one in five residents to fewer than one in 15.

Efforts of WHO and DNDi Programs

International organizations such as the WHO have long worked to address neglected diseases in Yemen. The WHO runs an elimination program for schistosomiasis and a control program for cutaneous leishmaniasis. These programs provide guidelines for case management, treatment, and mass drug administration, where appropriate, aiming to eradicate these neglected tropical diseases in Yemen.

The DNDi, a nonprofit organization, develops new treatments for neglected tropical diseases that primarily affect impoverished populations. It continues to research how to produce effective drugs and vaccines to treat and prevent neglected tropical diseases globally, with Yemen among the potential beneficiaries.

The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen pose significant challenges to implementing and advancing programs for neglected tropical diseases. Despite these obstacles, WHO, in collaboration with local partners, continues to prioritize and support efforts to combat these diseases in the country.

Looking Forward

The combined efforts of WHO and DNDi are setting a hopeful trajectory toward mitigating neglected tropical diseases in Yemen. The innovative health strategies hold promise for improving the lives of Yemen’s most vulnerable populations.

– Olusegun Odejobi

Olusegun is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Yemen Crisis: The Largest Global Humanitarian Crisis

The Yemen CrisisSince 2015, Yemen has been experiencing the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. There is an ongoing civil war which is the cause of the outspread of food insecurity and the economic downfall of Yemen that is currently happening. This has left the people of Yemen with a lack of resources such as food, water and medical assistance. There are currently 23.4 million in need of humanitarian assistance in Yemen. On top of that, the Yemen crisis has led to more than 17.4 million people in Yemen being food insecure and do not have stable access to food and water while an additional 1.6 million are in a state of emergency in terms of hunger.

A Crisis On Children

Due to Yemen experiencing the largest famine in the world, this also means the rate of child malnutrition is high as well. This is one of many serious problems Yemen is facing right now. Estimates have indicated that every 10 minutes, a child in Yemen loses their life because of malnutrition. Around half a million children are experiencing severe starvation with the death toll being 85,000 due to starvation in children. In 2022, predictions indicated that an estimated 450,000 would experience severe malnutrition and possibly die.

Why The Yemen Crisis Matters

Adequate access to resources like food, water and health care is essential to living a healthy life as well as avoiding disease. The people in Yemen have not been able to have adequate access to these essentials for years which is a major problem. Yemen is also the poorest country in the Middle East, making it more difficult for the people there to receive opportunities to live better and healthier lives. They are being affected in all health aspects from being unable to eat or drink enough, to lack of proper medical attention when people are experiencing malnutrition and diseases like malaria and respiratory infections which are very prevalent in Yemen.

UNICEF’s Work

The situation in Yemen calls for an immense amount of support as well as a lot of funding from large stakeholders to help provide aid to the people in Yemen. One effective solution that can help support the people in Yemen is by spreading awareness. UNICEF is a large organization that has helped in assisting Yemen by spreading awareness of the crisis in Yemen and also providing aid. UNICEF’s mission is to provide support to those who are less fortunate.

UNICEF is an organization that helps with global humanitarian problems. It has individuals in the field of medicine and education that are assisting in providing food and education for the children while they have other individuals from UNICEF restabilizing damaged schools and hospitals. While UNICEF has supported Yemen greatly with the aid it was able to provide to
Yemenis there is still more that needs to occur. UNICEF inquires that in order to continue giving its support in Yemen, it need an estimated $484.4 million which it have raised $77.8 million in funding for aid.

Save the Children’s Efforts

Another organization that has supported Yemen is Save the Children. Save the Children is an organization targeted to support children in need. It helps children all around the world with many things like food, education, protection and health. It has been giving support in Yemen to Yemeni children since 1963 and were one of the first organizations to reach out when the war started in 2015.

Looking Ahead

The crisis in Yemen is not a national problem but a global one. They are battling multiple problems. The severity of the crisis Yemenis are experiencing is something that will take years to recover from which means they need all the awareness and support they can get. There is great importance in understanding social determinants of health in public health. This is because the occurrence of many public health issues can be addressed through social determinants of health and can explain why they happen. The heartbreaking state of Yemen is due to the fact they are lacking many of those social determinants and the main forms of support that individuals can give to them is through contacting officials and raising as much awareness as they can.

– Munira Said
Photo: Flickr

Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Yemen

Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in YemenThe Republic of Yemen occupies the southern end of the Middle East’s Arabian Peninsula. Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Yemen was once the crossroads between Africa, Asia and the Middle East. From 1918 to 1990, Yemen was separated into two competing countries including independent North Yemen and British-backed South Yemen. In 1990, both countries unified to create The Republic of Yemen. However, despite these advances in government, the Yemeni political climate radically destabilized in 2011, as the Arab Spring swept across neighboring countries. Since 2014, a brutal civil war has gripped Yemen, leaving its population of 33 million vulnerable to disease, food shortage and overwhelming poverty. Today, Yemen is the second-poorest nation in the Middle East, and more than 80% of Yemenis live below the poverty line.

Here is everything you need to know about poverty in Yemen.

1. The Yemeni Civil War has destabilized the government

The Yemeni Civil War is a conflict primarily between Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthi rebel movement, which claims its stronghold in Yemen’s northern territories. In 2011, uprisings forced Yemen’s authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to cede power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. However, Hadi struggled to address the country’s corruption, food insecurity and militant incursions. In 2014, the Houthi rebel movement, allied with former president Saleh, seized control of Sana’a, Yemen’s capital and most populous city. The Houthis are an Iranian-backed Shiite group that has long undermined Yemen’s predominantly Sunni government. In 2015, Saudi Arabia and 8 other Sunni states with the help of U.S., U.K. and French aid, launched air attacks, hoping to restore president Hadi to power. The ensuing civil war has prompted a large-scale humanitarian crisis and has claimed the lives of over 15,000 civilians. Those remaining have been challenged with famine, poverty and disease outbreak.

2. The Yemeni economy continues to fail

Even before the outbreak of its civil war, Yemen struggled to keep pace with changing markets. Political corruption hampered Yemen’s economy, while revenues from oil and gas reserves continued to decline. The civil war has further damaged economic infrastructure, contributing to high unemployment and poverty rates, while also alienating international investment. Since the conflict’s onset, the Yemeni economy has shrunk by half.

3. Many Yemenis have been displaced by conflict

Civilian vulnerability to military attack has forced an estimated 4.5 million people or 14% of Yemen’s population to flee their homes. Many Yemenis have been displaced multiple times since 2015, ranking Yemen in the top six of internal displacement crises worldwide. As Yemenis continue to live in exile, they strain already limited food, water and sanitation resources. 

4. Yemen nears famine

As a food-deficient country, Yemen has often relied upon imports to nourish its population. However, its civil war has stymied international trade and weakened its access to food supplies. Food prices have soared, hindering accessibility for Yemen’s poverty-stricken population. As a result, hunger is rampant, with many Yemenis forced to skip meals or to severely restrict portion size. Some have pawned belongings and sold assets to raise money for adequate food supplies. Oftentimes, Yemeni women struggle the most, giving portions to children and family members at the expense of their own nourishment. 

5. Poverty in Yemen affects women and girls disproportionately

Women and children make up 80% of Yemen’s displaced population, with women heading 26% of displaced households. In the midst of such upheaval, women and girls are especially vulnerable to gender-based violence, often falling victim to child marriage and human trafficking. Widespread food insecurity and an eroding health care system have led to a severe increase in the maternal mortality rate: one woman dies in childbirth every two hours. 

6. Communities are vulnerable to infectious diseases

Both the civil war and COVID-19 have strained Yemen’s already fragile healthcare system. 46% of healthcare facilities across the country are only partially functioning or completely defunct, due to insufficient staff, funding and medical resources. Similarly, large-scale displacement and infrastructure collapse has hampered access to clean water and sanitation facilities, with 9.4 million people in acute need of water, sanitation and hygiene services. As a result, communicable diseases have run rampant, including measles, diphtheria and polio. Yemen is also reporting an unprecedented cholera outbreak. From 2012 to 2021, Yemen reported an estimated 2.5 million cholera cases, with 4,000 cholera-related deaths. 

7. Humanitarian aid combats poverty in Yemen

The crisis in Yemen has caught the attention of the international humanitarian community. With 21.6 million Yemenis in need of aid, the UN has designated Yemen the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Despite Houthi attempts to block aid packages, several leading organizations have joined the effort to improve food access, water availability and medical services. For instance, UNICEF is supplying therapeutic food to treat acute malnutrition in children. Similarly, the United Nations Population Fund hopes to allocate $7 million to improve women’s access to reproductive and neonatal care, reaching an estimated 3.9 million people. 

A Look Ahead

Though the civil war in Yemen continues to deny the Yemeni population economic security, adequate food supplies and basic health services, there is some chance of peace. In 2022, the UN brokered a ceasefire between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, which was renewed to extend from April to October 2022. Though the truce has technically expired, a mutual diplomacy has slowed the conflict, allowing back-channel discussions between Saudi and Houthi representatives to continue, albeit slowly. As the negotiations unfold, civilians hope for an escape from hunger, violence and poverty in Yemen. 

– Sydney Verdi
Photo: Flickr

5 Updates on the Yemen Crisis

Yemen CrisisYemen has been in the grips of one of the worst humanitarian crises since the conflict broke out in early 2015. In the years since, the Yemen crisis has been defined by the displacement of millions of Yemenis as well as an unstable economy which has driven the prices of food, fuel and other vital resources to an unattainable price for the majority of citizens. However, the arrival of a ceasefire in April 2022 provided refuge to the Yemeni people and an opportunity for progress.

The Crisis in Yemen

The Republic of Yemen is located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula with approximately 29 million inhabitants. Yemen has long been the poorest country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with half of the population living in poverty even before the outbreak of conflict. In early 2015, a civil war erupted in the country between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, a political organization originating in the northwestern province of Saada. Since then, the unrelenting fighting has destabilized the economy and destroyed much of the local infrastructure, driving the poverty rate up to as high as 78% of the population. 

This conflict has resulted in mass displacement, food shortages and famine with 16.2 million residents at risk of malnutrition due to food insecurity. Furthermore, because of large-scale displacement and poor sanitation, there have been a series of disease outbreaks over recent years including outbreaks of cholera, measles and diphtheria, all of which have been eradicated across much of the rest of the world. 

In April 2022, the United Nations announced that a two-month cease-fire had been agreed upon by opposing sides. In a progressive move, this truce was renewed a further two times before officially ending in October of the same year. Despite the end of the cease-fire, fighting has not resumed to the same extent as before, providing Yemen and its inhabitants with a period of relative stability and the opportunity to receive foreign aid.

Visible Progress

With the country finding some degree of stability in the wake of the six-month truce in 2022, the people of Yemen have been able to receive aid from international organizations such as UNICEF.

Here are five updates on the progress visible amid the Yemen crisis since the truce period in 2022.

  1. Peace: Several steps have been taken towards establishing peace with both sides participating in peace talks and a significant prisoner trade. Furthermore, in another step towards peace in the region, the Houthis — the internationally recognized government — have participated in peace talks with neighboring Saudi Arabia.
  2. Health: With the input of international organizations such as UNICEF, the truce has allowed for the deployment of health workers to rural areas as well as the dispersal of additional resources to all regions including providing nearly 3,000 health facilities with the necessary personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks.
  3. Education: Similar to health care, UNICEF has invested in the reopening of education facilities by providing cash incentives to close to 35,000 teachers and other school staff. Additionally, UNICEF has been providing further training and support on topics such as nutrition and hygiene to school staff. 
  4. Housing: As the Yemen crisis continues, there is still approximately 14% of the Yemeni population who are displaced. Despite this, international organizations such as UNICEF and the U.N. Refugee Agency are continuing to assist thousands of displaced families across all governorates by providing essential items such as blankets, sleeping mats and mattresses. 
  5. Food and Water: While there is still widespread food insecurity in the country with approximately 18 million Yemeni living without access to safe water sources, progress is being made. For example, 120,000 children were treated for malnutrition by UNICEF in the first quarter of 2023 alone. Furthermore, efforts to rehabilitate water points and provide water tanks to those who are displaced have also continued.

Initially, the Yemen crisis was heavily publicized; however, media coverage and charitable appeals have dwindled by comparison in the years since. Because of this, it is easy to be disillusioned about the current struggles the Yemenis are facing. In spite of this, progress has continued to occur at an accelerated rate in the wake of a temporary ceasefire which scaled back significant proportions of the fighting and has created a fragile state of stability across the country.

– Holly Coop
Photo: Unsplash

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Child Malnutrition in Yemen: Hope Among the Conflict

Child Malnutrition in Yemen
The Middle Eastern nation of Yemen has been plagued by eight years of devastating conflict disproportionately affecting its children. The Yemeni conflict remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with more than 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance. Child malnutrition in Yemen, alongside food insecurity and hunger, has reached alarming levels in the heart of this turmoil. Xavier Joubert, Save the Children’s Country Director for Yemen, underscores the harsh reality facing Yemeni children:

“Hunger in Yemen is an entirely human-made legacy of this war, and the increase in child malnutrition levels around conflict lines shows the impact of this brutal conflict on children.”

Despite the ongoing conflict, hope is emerging from the efforts of numerous organizations. This article sheds light on the dire challenges these children face daily while highlighting the unwavering dedication of organizations working to mitigate their suffering. 

The Impact

Amidst Yemen’s enduring conflict, the crisis affecting its children has reached catastrophic proportions. This nation is grappling with one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, where more than 11 million children are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Child malnutrition in Yemen has surged to alarming levels, with nearly 2.2 million children under the age of five in Yemen acutely malnourished, and more than 500,000 facing severe malnutrition. 

The repercussions of this crisis on Yemen’s children are profound and enduring. Malnutrition not only jeopardizes their immediate well-being but also their long-term growth and cognitive abilities. The compounding effect of malnutrition and the ongoing conflict leaves so many children without access to essential health care, clean water and adequate sanitation. This is further exacerbated by the scarcity of essential food items and the destruction of critical infrastructure. Yemen’s children are carrying the heaviest burden amid the ongoing conflict, and the repercussions on their health and future are immeasurable.

Working for Change

Amidst the seemingly bleak landscape, various organizations have stepped forward to combat the malnutrition epidemic to alleviate the suffering occurring within this nation. The organization War Child is a prime example of the life-changing work occurring to improve these children’s lives. War Child has been tirelessly working to provide access to healthcare, clean water and nutritional support to children in need. UNICEF is also a notable organization instrumental in providing health care, education and nutrition support to the vulnerable young children in Yemen. Continued is their unwavering efforts to save young lives and build a better and sustainable future. 

Stories of Hope

Despite the immense challenges and continued conflict within Yemen, stories of hope and resilience are emerging. Children who have received critical support from these organizations are on their way to recovery. Their strength and the unwavering commitment of these organizations showcase the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of the harshest circumstances. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a crucial role in this effort. WHO has trained almost 400 health workers on managing medical complications in children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. To increase families’ awareness and knowledge of basic nutritional and preventive health requirements for children, as well as to promote the importance of the continuity of breastfeeding, WHO trained 1,277 community health and nutrition volunteers and midwives. These trained individuals communicate key health and nutrition messages to the most affected vulnerable communities in 28 districts. 

In addition to this, WHO has developed awareness messages for TV and radio, ensuring that these important messages reach a wider audience. It has also engaged communities through various platforms, including religious, youth and women’s groups. These comprehensive efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of Yemen’s children — offering them hope and the prospect of a brighter and healthier future. 

Moving Forward

While child malnutrition in Yemen remains a pressing issue, and the ongoing conflict only exacerbates the situation, the dedicated efforts of organizations working in Yemen provide a glimmer of hope. With continued support and awareness, there exists a possibility for positive change in the lives of Yemen’s children. The world must remain engaged in addressing this crisis, as the future of Yemen’s children depends on it. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to a nation facing immense challenges.

– Phoebe Abrahams
Photo: Flickr

How Remittances to Yemen is Making a Difference

Remittance to YemenEight years of civil war have thrust Yemen into a state of economic and humanitarian emergency. The conflict has left 2.3 million children acutely malnourished, giving the media and nonprofits alike no choice but to report a dismal picture. There is, however, an untold story at play. The story of remittance to Yemen demonstrates that familial solidarity remains steadfast in times of crisis.

In short, remittance to Yemen refers to money transfers sent home by Yemenis who are working overseas, usually from the Gulf states, the U.S. and the U.K. More than 200 million migrants worldwide send remittances home to their families every year.

The World Bank estimates that, as of 2023, 24.1 million people in Yemen were at risk of hunger and disease. A further 14 million required acute assistance. It is these statistics that set the precedent for the importance of remittance for alleviating the country’s humanitarian emergency. Here is an overview of just some of the ways that remittance to Yemen is making a difference. 

Preventing Hunger and Starvation

The World Bank has declared that vast numbers of Yemenis are living on the verge of famine. “My daughter had malnutrition due to our harsh living conditions and lack of income”, Waleed Al-Ahdal told UNICEF. Al-Ahdal’s story is one of many. With countless others surfacing, it is unsurprising that UNICEF has warned that “no place in Yemen is safe for children.”

However, without the security of remittance payments, the situation would be even more grave. Oxfam’s Yemen Country Director, Muhsin Siddiquey, has warned that Yemenis would have to rely on international aid “without the safety net of remittances.” With one in 10 people in Yemen relying solely on money transfers to meet their basic needs, the cruciality of remittance to Yemeni survival becomes clear. 

A Display of Solidarity

As well as combatting starvation, overseas Yemenis supporting their families to fend for themselves shows solidarity. The International Day of Family Remittances falls on June 16 every year and is a universally-recognized observance. This symbolic day celebrates migrant workers’ dedication to the well-being of their loved ones. 

Just 20 years ago, remittances were unaccounted for in international statistics — as were the sacrifices of migrant workers. Acknowledging remittance to Yemen as a powerful tool of poverty prevention is setting the precedence for the international community to follow suit and take humanitarian action. 

Setting the Precedence for Foreign Aid

The necessity for overseas money transfers to meet basic needs has put Yemen’s humanitarian crisis on the international radar. When allied with remittance payments, global action is having a real impact on the ground.

For example, The Yemen Social Fund for Development’s Cash for Nutrition program targets pregnant women and women with children less than 5 years old, teaching them about child nutrition and providing them with money for food. The World Bank estimates that 165,000 pregnant or lactating women and 175,000 children have been reached by the project so far.

An Economic Investment

Gilbert Houngbo, chief of IFAD, has described remittances sent by migrant workers as a “win-win solution”. He explains that remittance payments are positive for the workers’ countries of origin as well as the host countries. Houngbo estimates that 15% of each salary earned by overseas migrants in a host country is sent home in the form of remittance. The significance here is that this leaves an average of 85% of migrant income circulating in the host country, contributing to the national GDP. 

Of course, the humanitarian necessity of remittance is more pressing, but the economic benefits play a key part in encouraging states and service providers to facilitate the money transfers of migrants into and out of their countries. Economically speaking, remittance is a mutually beneficial enterprise. 

More Needs To Be Done

Remittance payments have their drawbacks. They do not target the root causes of extreme poverty in Yemen. Instead, they merely counteract the devastating impact war has had on the population’s basic needs. 

Moreover, the flow of remittance into Yemen is an unstable source of aid. One remittance service provider in Sa’ada saw a reduction in migrant money transfers of 96% between January 2020 and April of the same year. Likely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global crisis exposed the insecurity of remittance with devastating consequences.

“I purchase food on credit from the grocery and have two months overdue rent,” Abu Ameer told Oxfam. Ameer’s plight worsened when his son stopped working due to the lockdown. As a result, Ameer’s son ceased payments to his father from Saudi Arabia. Ameer’s reliance on his son’s income laid bare the fragility of remittance as a method of reducing extreme poverty. 

While remittance to Yemen has evidently not ended the civil war, nor has it eradicated extreme poverty in the country, it remains a symbol of unity and a provider of aid for those most in need.  

– Imogen Townsend
Photo: Flickr

Poverty in Yemen or Potential Investment?

Poverty in Yemen
Yemen has become increasingly war-torn since 2014, and as a result, poverty in Yemen has significantly increased. In 2014, poverty in Yemen was at 45%. The percentage should reach 75 by the end of 2019.

This war-torn region has not yet recovered from political instability. Because of this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that it has lost 21 years of development.

The UNDP published a report, Assessing the Impact of War in Yemen on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, on September 26, 2019, which is the result of five years of research on how war has impacted Yemen’s social and economic structure and how the international community can successfully invest in Yemen.

Poverty in Yemen

The UNDP report found that the instability in Yemen has had disastrous effects on the Yemenese people. It reported that 11.7 million individuals have become impoverished as a result of the war. In addition, 4.9 million are malnourished. Of this number, 600,000 are children under the age of 5. The report also found that the war reduced economic growth in Yemen by $88.8 billion. This resulted in Yemen’s status as the world’s second least equal country in the world in terms of income. Without any change in the status quo, Yemen will become the world’s most impoverished country by 2022.

Yemen is largely reliant on food and imports for economic stability. Because of this, the economy has been unable to recover quickly without international intervention. The public sector employed 30% of the Yemenese population. However, a crash in the availability of assets left those individuals unemployed and unable to contribute to a jumpstart in the economy that would feed, clothe and put money in the hands of the impoverished.

The report concludes that the international response to the extreme poverty, economic crises and inequality in Yemen must be holistic and address both the root of the problem and the result of the issue.

Potential Investment in Yemen

The report examined four criteria: poverty, work and economic growth, hunger and inequality. Increasing international aid and investment can help with all four criteria. The article outlines a method of aid for addressing each area. A combination of efforts would resolve each criterion and address the issue of poverty overall. Increasing household consumption to pre-war levels which reflect “the spirit (though not the magnitude) of current cash-transfer programmes operating in Yemen,” can also combat hunger according to the report. This, combined with the distribution of food that would provide sufficient caloric intake and support Yemenese food exports, would alone prevent 73,600 death by 2030. A focus on improving access to clean water via changes to food prices through sanctions and providing sanitation implementation would save 255,000 lives by 2030.

Direct foreign investment into the Yemenese economy would significantly improve the everyday living conditions of Yemenese citizens. Without increased aid, Yemen will continue to stay on track to becoming the world’s most impoverished country by 2022. Direct aid programs and an increased amount of liquid capital poured into the economy would decrease poverty in Yemen, jumpstart the economy and improve the overall standard of living.

– Denise Sprimont
Photo: Flickr