United Nations in Yemen

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Yemen:

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Publication

28 April 2025

UN Yemen Country Results Report 2024

This report highlights the resilience of the Yemeni people and the collaborative impact of the United Nations Country Team and its partners in 2024. Despite immense challenges, significant strides were made in delivering essential development support, strengthening local capacities, and fostering pathways towards stability.Understand how the UN addressed critical needs in food security, healthcare, education, and livelihoods, while strengthening governance and promoting inclusive solutions. Discover the importance of strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and the unwavering commitment to sustainable development goals in the Yemeni context.Download the full report to learn more about the UN's activities, achievements, and ongoing dedication to supporting Yemen's journey towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

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Press Release

05 September 2024

IOM Yemen: IOM Appeals for USD 13.3 Million to Help Hundreds of Thousands Affected by Yemen Floods

Yemen, 5 September – In response to the severe flooding and violent windstorms affecting nearly 562,000 people in Yemen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a USD 13.3 million appeal to deliver urgent life-saving assistance. The unprecedented weather events have compounded the humanitarian crisis in the country, leaving thousands of internally displaced persons and host communities in dire need of assistance. “Yemen is facing yet another devastating chapter in its relentless crisis, exacerbated by the intersection of conflict and extreme weather events,” said Matt Huber, IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission. “IOM teams are on the ground, working around the clock to deliver immediate relief to families affected by this catastrophe. However, the scale of the destruction is staggering, and we urgently need additional funding to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind. We must act immediately to prevent further loss and alleviate the suffering of those impacted.” In recent months, torrential rains and flooding have destroyed homes, displaced thousands of families, and severely damaged critical infrastructure, including health centres, schools, and roads. Across multiple governorates, including Ibb, Sana’a, Ma’rib, Al Hodeidah, and Ta’iz, thousands of people have been left without shelter, clean water, or access to basic services, and scores of lives have been tragically lost. The storms have struck as the country grapples with a cholera outbreak and escalating food insecurity, further exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced families and strained health systems. As the harsh weather conditions are expected to continue, more households are at risk of displacement and exposure to disease outbreaks due to damaged water and health infrastructure. Ma’rib Governorate has been particularly hard-hit, with strong winds since 11 August severely damaging 73 displacement sites and affecting over 21,000 households. Public services, including electricity networks, have been severely affected, aggravating the crisis in one of Yemen’s most vulnerable regions. Urgent shelter repairs and cash assistance are needed, with healthcare services and sanitation infrastructure among the most immediate priorities. Since early August, floodwaters have damaged shelters, roads, water sources, and medical facilities, leaving over 15,000 families in Al Hodeidah and 11,000 in Ta’iz in desperate need of emergency support. These rains have not only led to tragic loss of life but have also wiped out entire communities’ belongings and means of survival. In response to this crisis, IOM is targeting 350,000 people with shelter, non-food items (NFI), cash-based interventions, health, camp coordination and camp management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Distribution of water tanks, latrine repairs, and desludging efforts are ongoing in multiple sites, while health services are being expanded, with mobile teams currently treating over 100 individuals and referring critical cases to hospitals. IOM’s efforts are further supported by emergency response committees working tirelessly to register and verify affected households, relocate displaced families, and reduce the risks of further damage. However, the resources available are insufficient to cover the vast needs, with key gaps remaining, especially in the shelter and NFI sector. With no contingency stocks for essential relief items and the situation growing more critical by the day, immediate funding is necessary to address the most pressing needs on the ground. IOM stands ready to scale up its response but requires the necessary resources to do so. With further severe weather expected in the coming weeks and funding constraints, the Organization is urgently calling on the international community to support this appeal to continue providing lifesaving aid and address the overwhelming needs of those affected. To read the full appeal, please visit this page. For more information, please contact:  In Yemen: Monica Chiriac, mchiriac@iom.int  In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int  In Geneva: Mohammedali Abunajela, mmabunajela@iom.int 

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Press Release

04 May 2023

Statement: Remarks at the pledging event for the FSO Safer operation co-hosted by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

First, I want echo Achim’s thank you to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for having organized this event. And for contributing generously. A third element that they both deserve credit for is recognizing early on the promise of a private-sector initiative to address the Safer which the Fahem Group and SMIT Salvage proposed in mid-2021 – a time when the previous UN plan to inspect the Safer was not moving. The initiative called for a leading maritime salvage company to transfer the oil off the Safer and replace the decaying supertanker’s capacity. That was the basis upon which the United Nations principals asked me to lead and coordinate UN system-wide efforts on the Safer, in September 2021. In December 2021, United Nations senior management endorsed the UN-coordinated plan and asked UNDP to implement it, contingent upon donor funding. In February 2021, I met with the Government of Yemen in Aden, which confirmed its support for the plan. They have remained supportive ever since – as evidenced by a $5 million pledge that they made last year. The Sana’a authorities had been favorable to the original initiative, but insisted that it be done under UN auspices. In March 2022, they signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN that committed them to facilitating the operation. A commitment that they continue to honor. The agreement was also signed by myself with the Fahem Group, which has supported engagement in Sana’a on the initiative since 2021 on a voluntary basis. By April 2022, the UN presented a draft operational plan to begin fundraising. The original budget for phase 1 and 2 was $144 million. As Achim said, the Netherlands pledging event in The Hague last May brought in $33 million, which was a catalyst to move us to where we are today. But finding funds to prevent a catastrophe proved far more difficult than finding money for a disaster. In June, we launched a public crowdfunding campaign for the operation. That has now brought in more than $250,000. More importantly, it captured media attention that galvanized further support for the plan. In August, we received the first pledge from a private entity. $1.2 million from the HSA Group. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers followed with a $10 million pledge and Trafigura Foundation with $1 million. The private sector, we learned, was concerned about its liability linked to a contribution. UNDP, in particular, led the effort to resolve those issues of concern which gives us a basis for further private sector contributions. By September last year, the UN met the target of $75 million to start the operation. Unfortunately, even as UNDP was gearing up to begin, the cost of suitable replacement vessels surged, chiefly due to developments related to the war in Ukraine. More money was also needed to start the initial phase because of the necessity to purchase a replacement vessel – also linked to the war in Ukraine as suitable vessels for lease were no longer available. The budget for the emergency phase – during which the oil will be transferred – is now $129 million. Most of the funding is now required up front in phase one. Now, the second phase only requires $19 million to complete the project. So, the budget of $148 million is just $4 million more than was presented to donors a year ago. Prior to today’s announcements, we had raised $99.6 million from member states, the private sector and the general public. The general public has provided donations from $1 to $5,000. The broad coalition working to prevent the catastrophe also includes environmental groups like Greenpeace and, in Yemen, Holm Akhdar. Every part of the United Nations is involved, including the International Maritime Organization, the UN Environmental Progamme, and the World Food Progamme. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is among those that have worked on the Safer file for years and has now ensured $20 million of bridging finance. That would need to be replenished by donor funding. I also want to recognize the United States for playing a tireless role in mobilizing resources. It is among the top five donors, together with the Netherlands, Germany, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. On 9 March, UNDP’s Administrator took the bold decision to purchase the replacement vessel Nautica – before all of the operation was in place. That is because UNDP recognized the extraordinary problem and understood that the cost of inaction is too great, as Achim outlined. UNDP also contracted the Boskalis subsidiary SMIT Salvage, which played an enormously helpful role in developing the UN plan long before it had a contract. With both the Nautica and the SMIT vessel Ndeavor en route to Djibouti, we expect the operation to start before the end of the month. Therefore, I thank all donors for the generous support, and we look forward to further generous support. But the risk of disaster remains. I am forever thankful to the heroic skeleton crew aboard the Safer that continues to do all it can to keep that vessel together until we can organize this salvage operation. None of us will heave a sigh of relief until the oil is transferred. And we will all heave a final sigh of relief when the critical second phase is completed. This requires that the project is fully funded as described. As everyone has said we are just one step away so lets take the final step. Thank you.

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Publication

26 October 2022

UNITED NATIONS YEMEN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK 2022 – 2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
UN global reform has elevated the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) to be “the most important instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities” in the country. It outlines the UN development system’s contributions to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an integrated way, with a commitment to leave no one behind, uphold human rights, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), and other international standards and obligations. The UNSDCF seeks to address the humanitarian, development and peace challenges in Yemen in an environment where key public institutions are fragmented, no national strategy exists, and where there has been no national budget since 2014. The Yemen UNSDCF outlines the UN’s collective priorities and development objectives to be reached jointly in the next three years 2022-2024 as part of an ongoing and longer- term vision for resilience building and forging of a pathway to peace.
Yemen is a country in conflict. The priorities of this UNSDCF are derived from the analysis of the impacts of this ongoing crisis on the people of Yemen, and the needs and opportunities as outlined in the UN’s Common Country Analysis (CCA) conducted in 2021.
The UN has prioritized four pillars that resonate with the SDG priorities of people, peace, planet and prosperity that aim, as a matter of urgency, to improve people’s lives in Yemen and build resilience that is equitable, inclusive, people-centred, gender responsive and human rights based, through outcomes that: 1. Increase food security, improving livelihood options, and job creation 2. Preserve inclusive, effective and efficient national and local development systems strengthening 3. Drive inclusive economic structural transformation 4. Build social services, social protection, and inclusion for all
The theory of change is driven by an expectation that by 2024 the impact for all people of all ages in Yemen affected by conflict, forced displacement and living in poverty in all its dimensions will experience change in the quality of their lives. This will be possible through increased food security and nutrition, livelihood options and job creation; preserved national and local development and systems strengthening; inclusive economic structural transformation and the building of social services, social protection and inclusion for all. Food security and nutrition, and sustainable and resilient livelihoods and environmental stability will be realized through effective food production and diversified food and nutrition security; and through sustainable climate sensitive environmental management. Rights-based good governance and inclusive gender sensitive improved public services and rule of law will be possible as a result of accountable, inclusive and transparent institutions and systems, as well as the building of trusted justice systems. Increased income security and decent work for women, youth and vulnerable populations will be realised through micro and macro-economic development and job creation. Strengthened social protection and basic social support service delivery focused on support to marginalized groups, and strengthening women and youth leadership in decision making processes will be supported through the preservation of social protection and expanded and effective social assistance and basic services.
The UNSDCF prioritises the population groups in Yemen that have the highest risk of being left behind due to the impact of conflict; economic, social, geographic or political exclusion; and marginalisation. Enacting the central transformative principle of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, whilst challenging in the Yemen context, does provide the lens through which the UNSDCF targets the most vulnerable and prioritise Leaving No One Behind.
On the basis that some groups in Yemen bear the brunt of the conflict due to forced displacement, livelihood disruption, food insecurity, limited social safety nets, increased levels of poverty and poor-
quality housing, the CCA 2021 identifies the following population groups at the greatest risk of being left behind:
- Women and girls - 73 percent of those displaced in Yemen are women and girls, especially women of reproductive age and adolescent girls
- Children – 60 percent of those killed directly by conflict are children under five
- Youth and adolescents – an estimated 2 million school-age girls and boys are out of school as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities disrupt their education
- Internally displaced persons – more than 4 million IDPs with 172,000 newly displaced in 2020 and almost 160,000 in 2021
- Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants – Yemen hosts approximately 138,000 migrants and 140,000 refugees and asylum seekers
- Persons with disabilities – 4.5 million Yemenis have at least one disability
- Ethnic and religious minorities – It is estimated that Muhamasheen represent 10 percent of the population living in marginalised conditions
The UNSDCF is comprised of four chapters. Chapter One: explores Yemen’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda through a detailed analysis of the country context drawing on the 2021 CCA. Chapter Two: presents the theory of change generally and per outcome area. Chapter Three: outlines the UNSDCF’s implementation plan focused on the management structure, resources, links to country programming instruments and Yemen’s Business Operations Strategy. Chapter Four: highlights the process for CCA updates, Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning. The Results Framework presents the outcomes and key performance indicators for monitoring agreed targets utilizing verifiable data sets. Two annexes capture the legal basis for all UN entities engaged in the UNSDCF and the mandatory commitments to Harmonised Approaches to Cash Transfers (HACT)1.
The UNSDCF represents the UN’s understanding that continued engagement in Yemen requires an operational architecture under-pinned by the Business Operations Strategy (BOS) and an integrated set of achievable programming priorities. These two strategic approaches of the UN system strengthen and make more inclusive the country’s national and local governance structures, and mainstream the required responses to the economic and health consequences of COVID-19. They tackle food insecurity and nutrition as a matter of priority and integrate the promotion and advancement of gender equality and women’s and girl’s empowerment.

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Press Release

15 August 2024

UNFPA/UNICEF Yemen: Life-saving aid critical as torrential rain sparks deadly floods across Yemen

Sana’a, 15 August 2024As relentless rain and catastrophic flooding in Yemen continue to exacerbate the suffering of families grappling with the impacts of poverty, hunger and protracted conflict, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, are delivering life-saving aid to some of the most vulnerable individuals through the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM). With torrential rains forecast to continue into September, US$4.9 million is urgently needed to scale up the emergency response. Exceptionally heavy seasonal rains have caused flash floods in Yemen which are wreaking havoc in different parts of the country – the governorates of Al Hodeidah, Hajjah, Sa’ada, and Taizz are among the hardest-hit. Homes, shelters, and belongings have been swept away. Since early August, more than 180,000 people have been affected – over 50,000 people have been displaced in Al Hodeidah alone – a figure that is likely to rise in the coming days. Within 72 hours of the floods, over 80,000 people in flood-affected governorates had received emergency relief through the RRM, including ready to eat food rations, hygiene items, and women’s sanitary products. These items offer some immediate relief from the hardships caused by these catastrophic events. “The devastating floods have increased people’s needs, which are tremendous,” said Enshrah Ahmed, UNFPA Representative to Yemen. “Our RRM teams are working round the clock to provide immediate relief to affected families, but with rising needs and severe weather conditions forecasted, the coming weeks and months will be critical to ensuring affected families can pick themselves up and, at the very least, recover their lives.” In 2024, an estimated 82 percent of people supported through the RRM have been severely affected or displaced by climate-related shocks. As a result of the unseasonal levels of rain, the RRM cluster has had to spring into action, overstretching RRM teams, and depleting available supplies and resources. As needs continue to rise, RRM teams are struggling to reach affected families due to damaged roads, the erosion of landmines and unexploded ordnance from frontline to civilian areas. Items included in the RRM package are also in short supply. “The situation in the flooded areas is devastating. UNICEF and partners are on the ground providing urgently needed support to those impacted. The role of the Rapid Response Teams is critical in times of distress such as this one,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative to Yemen.The RRM in Yemen was established in 2018 to provide a minimum package of immediate, critical life-saving assistance during human-made or natural disasters to newly displaced persons, and people in displacement sites or hard-to-reach areas, until the first line cluster response kicks in. The RRM ensures the distribution of immediate, ready-to-eat rations, basic hygiene kits provided by UNICEF, and women’s sanitary items provided by UNFPA, within 72 hours of a displacement alert. *** For more information, please contact UNFPA Taha Yaseen: Tel. +967 712 224090; yaseen@unfpa.org Lankani Sikurajapathy: Tel. +94773411614; sikurajapathy@unfpa.org UNICEF Kamal Al-Wazizah: Tel. +967 712 223 06; kalwazizah@unicef.org

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Story

26 February 2026

WHO Yemen: Saving lives amid escalating conflict in Yemen

In 2025, between March and October, as conflict intensified across Yemen, repeated air and naval strikes placed immense pressure on health facilities in Sana’a, Hodeida, Taiz and other affected governorates. Hospitals experienced a surge in trauma cases, critical shortages of essential medical supplies and disruptions to emergency referral services – severely constraining access to life-saving care for communities caught up in the violence.In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) rapidly scaled up its emergency response to sustain critical health services across the country. It delivered more than 3210 metric tons of essential medical supplies, including intravenous fluids, trauma emergency surgical kits, interagency emergency health kits, blood bags and laboratory reagents to major hospitals nationwide. These supplies enabled health facilities to continue emergency surgeries, blood transfusions and essential diagnostic services during peak periods of need.To further reinforce emergency care, WHO provided support to 12 surgical teams across 8 governorates and strengthened referral pathways by funding the operation of 13 ambulances in Sana’a, Hodeida and Taiz. In parallel, 432 health workers were trained in mass casualty management and basic life support, while a 1-year national emergency medical teams framework was developed to strengthen coordinated emergency response.Following further escalation in the southern governorates in December 2025, WHO delivered an additional 2.8 metric tons of trauma and emergency health kits, supporting 1900 surgical interventions and care for 20 000 patients. WHO also provided fuel to 11 health facilities in Hadramout, ensuring the continuity of life-saving services amid power disruptions.“WHO’s support has enabled our surgical team to provide better care to patients arriving with severe trauma or in critical condition. Despite ongoing challenges and shortages, this support allows us to save lives every day. With continued investment in medicines, equipment and trained staff, we can strengthen this emergency centre and ensure life-saving care for the community,” says Dr Abduljaleel Hasan, an anaesthesia technician with the surgical emergency team Al-Thawra Hospital in Taiz.As conflict persists and needs continue to rise, protecting Yemen’s health system is a life-saving imperative. Sustained, flexible funding is urgently needed to keep hospitals functioning, maintain emergency referral services and ensure health workers can respond swiftly to future escalations and save lives. Protecting health amid floods and disease risksIn August 2025, heavy rains and flash flooding swept across 10 governorates in Yemen, compounding an already fragile humanitarian situation and sharply increasing public health risks. Floodwaters damaged infrastructure, displaced families and created conditions conducive to the spread of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, placing severe pressure on overstretched health facilities struggling to meet rising needs.In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) rapidly mobilized life-saving support to sustain essential health services and prevent secondary health emergencies. WHO supported major hospitals with 136 metric tons of essential medicines and medical supplies, 108 units of critical medical equipment and 139 810 bottles of intravenous fluids, enabling health facilities to provide timely treatment for 27 762 patients affected by injuries, acute illnesses and complications linked to flooding.To mitigate the heightened risk of disease outbreaks, WHO strengthened entomological surveillance and supported preventive interventions, including the provision of malaria and dengue medicines, rapid diagnostic tests and insecticides for indoor residual spraying and larvicidal campaigns in high-risk areas. These measures helped reduce transmission risks and supported early detection and response to priority diseases.As climate-related emergencies continue to increase in frequency and severity, sustained and predictable support remains critical to protect lives, prevent outbreaks and strengthen Yemen’s capacity to anticipate, withstand and respond to future climate shocks. Strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak responseAmid fragile health conditions, WHO strengthened Yemen’s capacity to detect, prevent and respond to recurrent disease outbreaks during the year. WHO provided technical and operational support to disease surveillance and rapid response teams, including 1974 rapid response kits, enabling 1565 staff at central, governorate and district levels to verify alerts, investigate outbreaks and deliver early response interventions. WHO also supported the Electronic Integrated Disease Early Warning System and sentinel sites nationwide to strengthen epidemiological data collection and verification.To improve cholera case management, WHO supported the operation of 27 diarrhoea treatment centres, managing more than 56 600 severe cholera cases, and trained 781 health workers on integrated outbreak case management.“At the peak of the cholera outbreak, WHO’s support allowed us to treat severe cases quickly and effectively,” says Dr Saleh Al-Dobahi, technical supervisor at Al-Saddaqa Hospital, Aden. “With the medicines, supplies and training provided, we were able to save lives that would otherwise have been lost.”WHO further strengthened outbreak prevention through supporting Yemen’s first national risk communication and community engagement strategy and oral cholera vaccination campaigns that reached over 3 million people. As disease threats persist, sustained and flexible funding is critical to maintain surveillance, rapidly contain outbreaks and protect lives across Yemen. Strengthening emergency preparednessTo strengthen Yemen’s preparedness for public health emergencies and emerging disease threats, WHO enhanced integrated, multisectoral coordination through the One Health approach, while reinforcing public health emergency operations centres (PHEOCs). WHO provided technical support to activate multisectoral One Health coordination mechanisms, strengthening core International Health Regulations (IHR) and Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) capacities, with a focus on surveillance, laboratories and workforce development. The activation of the Zoonotic Diseases Technical Committee further improved early warning and information sharing among health, veterinary and environmental stakeholders.In parallel, WHO supported emergency coordination by building the capacity of 33 national professionals on incident management through PHEOCs and initiated preparations for training on electronic public health emergency management to strengthen emergency reporting and event-based surveillance systems.As health threats become increasingly complex and interconnected, sustained investment in coordinated preparedness systems is essential to protect communities, detect risks early and ensure rapid, effective responses to future public health emergencies in Yemen. Strengthening laboratory and blood bank servicesTo enhance disease detection and ensure life-saving diagnostic and transfusion services, WHO strengthened public health laboratories and blood banks across Yemen during 2025.WHO fully equipped 12 laboratories with essential diagnostic machinery, reagents, media and consumables, as well as integrated solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations amid chronic power disruptions. Field assessments were also completed to support the upgrading of general laboratories in Socotra and Al-Baidha governorates to full central public health laboratory status.Supplies were secured for the specialized diagnosis of cholera, diphtheria, dengue and other respiratory and arboviral threats, including molecular tests, culture media and antimicrobial sensitivity testing kits. Capacity for water and food testing was strengthened to address the underlying drivers of recurrent outbreaks.In parallel, WHO ensured a continuous supply of blood bags and consumables to blood banks, supporting trauma care and emergency surgeries.“Strengthening laboratory and blood bank capacity is fundamental to early detection and effective response to health threats,” says Dr Wahid Al-Bakhishi, General Director of central public health laboratory in Aden. “WHO’s support has significantly improved our ability to deliver reliable diagnostics and life-saving services, even under extremely challenging conditions.”WHO also supported the capacity-building of 240 laboratory professionals, including in the use of digital systems. Sustained investment is essential to safeguard surveillance systems, sustain critical services and protect lives across Yemen. Saving lives where care must not stopDuring 2025, WHO provided a direct lifeline support of essential utilities to the referral health facilities across Yemen, ensuring continuity of life-saving care. This included the delivery of approximately 3.96 million liters of medical oxygen to 52 health facilities in northern governorates, supporting the treatment of critically ill patients and emergency cases. To sustain facility operations and power generators for essential medical equipment, WHO supplied around 4.33 million liters of fuel to 177 health facilities nationwide (129 in the north and 48 in the south). In parallel, to strengthen infection prevention and control and maintain a safe care environment, WHO delivered approximately 41.27 million liters of safe water to 68 health facilities.The health facilities supported through this intervention constitute a critical backbone of Yemen’s healthcare infrastructure. Collectively, they serve a catchment population of more than 20 million people across all governorates, providing a substantial level of clinical capacity, including approximately 12,000 inpatient beds, 1,079 ICU beds, and 1,011 nursery units. This scale highlights the powerful multiplier effect of the intervention: by ensuring the continuous operation of these strategically important facilities, WHO’s support for essential utilities safeguarded sustained access to both advanced and routine medical care for millions of Yemen’s most vulnerable people. The provision of fuel, safe water, and medical oxygen was the essential catalyst that enabled these facilities to sustain their life-saving functions. This foundational support translated directly into uninterrupted access to care for an estimated five million vulnerable people during the reporting period. Continued facility operations made it possible to deliver more than 6,744,736 medical consultations, safely admit and treat over 341,186 inpatients, and perform approximately 115,664 surgical procedures. Crucially, this support protected maternal and newborn survival, enabling 43,352 caesarean sections (CS) and allowing more than 100,000 mothers to give birth safely in functioning health facilities. From routine consultations to complex emergency interventions, every service depended on the continuous functioning of these health facilities, made possible through WHO’s support, demonstrating how this targeted support safeguarded human dignity and saved lives at scale. Health Cluster Coordination Despite the defunding caused by the withdrawal of the US donors from the start of the year, the Health Cluster was able to advocate for funding from other sources, including the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), and receive nearly half (47.8%) of the financial requirements under the HNRP 2025, i.e., $125.3M out of $262M. This allowed around 50 cluster partners to reach nearly 4.8 million affected and vulnerable people nationwide - including women of childbearing age, children, the elderly and people with disabilities - with lifesaving primary and secondary healthcare services. The Cluster played a vital role in the response to the floods that affected several portions of the country during mid-late 2025 through provision of medicines/supplies to partners, coordination with authorities and advocacy with OCHA and donors.This is in addition to the coordination of the cholera response between the MoH and partners, including through integrating the mapping of DTCs/ORCs and other partner response into the Health Custer Response Monitoring Dashboard for 2025

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25 February 2026

IOM Yemen: Cash-for-Work Restores Water Access and Strengthens Livelihoods in Yemen

Ma’rib/Ta’iz, Yemen Millions in Yemen struggle daily for safe water, with roughly 17.8 million people affected as of early 2026. Over a decade of conflict, displacement, and economic collapse has left communities facing harsh living conditions and limited livelihood opportunities. In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing Cash-for-Work activities, restoring water infrastructure and providing immediate income to over 600 vulnerable participants in Ma’rib and southern Ta’iz as part of the wider “Enhanced Water Resource Management for IDP Communities - Phase II” project. In Ma’rib, years of conflict and repeated displacement have damaged irrigation canals and strained farmland, while thousands of displaced families now depend on these overburdened systems to sustain small-scale farming and livestock. In early 2026, over 1,600 newly displaced families added further pressure on water, land, and local infrastructure, heightening competition over scarce resources. Restoring functional irrigation is therefore essential for enhancing food security and relieving community tensions. In Ma’rib, the intervention engaged 170 CfW participants, including 50 women, to clear canals clogged with soil and debris across Al-Jaber, Al-Gharib, and Al-Mubarak in Al-Wadi District. Water now flows to previously parched fields, enabling farmers to irrigate crops and easing competition over scarce resources. Participants earn an interim source of income while helping build more resilient agricultural systems and strengthen ownership over common community resources. In South Ta’iz, districts such as Al-Turbah, Al-Ma’afer, and surrounding villages face water scarcity compounded by high population density, displacement, and disrupted supply networks. Rainwater harvesting systems and household pipelines are insufficient or completely non-functional in the wake of conflict, leaving communities without a reliable source of water for household use or small-scale farming. In Ta’iz, 441 CfW participants (131 women and 310 men) are building diversion barriers, digging water channels, and rehabilitating valve chambers and pipelines to capture and store rainwater more effectively. These improvements boost water availability during the rainy season, enabling communities to irrigate crops and access water for household use. These interventions provide participants with a short-term income opportunity, which allows them to meet their most immediate needs and inject cash into a fragile local economy. Beyond this, Cash-for-Work activities build community resilience and are an opportunity for upskilling and re-skilling, strengthening individuals’ potential to engage in sustainable livelihoods. “Restoring water systems goes beyond fixing infrastructure—it directly supports families’ livelihoods and access to essential water in communities facing conflict, displacement, and competition over scarce resources,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Chief of Mission in Yemen. “By providing immediate income alongside rehabilitated water networks, this Cash-for-Work intervention strengthens resilience and stability for both displaced and host populations in Ma’rib and Ta’iz.” This activity is implemented by IOM with the support of the German Government through German Development Bank (KfW), as part of ongoing efforts to promote recovery, stability, and sustainable livelihoods in Ma’rib and Ta’iz. For more information, please contact: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int

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22 February 2026

FAO Yemen: Socotra Advances Sustainable Fisheries Through Scientific Monitoring and Responsible Lobster Harvest

Socotra Archipelago, Yemen – Significant progress has been made toward strengthening sustainable fisheries management in the Socotra Archipelago through the successful implementation of a biological data collection programme targeting key commercial marine species.Under an initiative supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Marine Sciences and Biological Research Authority (MSBRA) and the Fisheries Authority and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), systematic biological monitoring was conducted across five major fish landing sites. The programme focused on priority species, including spiny rock lobster, Pharaoh cuttlefish, and Spanish mackerel.During the reporting period (February 2025 – February 2026), trained field enumerators conducted regular sampling, collecting critical biological data such as size distribution, weight, and reproductive indicators. This effort addresses longstanding data gaps and establishes a robust scientific baseline to inform evidence-based fisheries management planning. Responsible Lobster Fishing Season Demonstrates Positive ComplianceA key achievement of the program was the close monitoring of lobster catches during the officially designated fishing season, as regulated by the Fisheries Authority.Biological sampling confirmed that:The majority of landed lobsters exceeded 19 cm length, meeting and surpassing the minimum legal-size requirement under Yemeni Fisheries Law.No egg-bearing females were retained in the catch. Any berried females encountered were immediately returned to the sea.These findings demonstrate:Strong adherence to seasonal fishing regulationsCompliance with minimum size limits to protect juvenile stocksIncreased awareness among fishing communities regarding sustainable harvesting practices The results provide compelling evidence that well-enforced, science-based regulations can support the long-term sustainability of lobster stocks in Socotra. Building Local Capacity for Long-Term SustainabilityBeyond data collection, the initiative strengthened local institutional capacity by:Training field data collectors in standardized biological monitoring methodsHarmonizing data collection protocols across landing sitesEnhancing coordination between fisheries authorities and research institutionsThe biological database generated will continue to support:Stock assessment and exploitation monitoringEnforcement of closed seasonsAdaptive fisheries management decision-makingDevelopment and implementation of species-specific Fisheries Management Plans Safeguarding Livelihoods and Marine EcosystemsWith approximately 60 percent of Socotra’s population depending directly on fisheries for their livelihoods, sustainable management of marine resources is essential for food security, economic resilience, and biodiversity conservation.This achievement marks an important milestone toward ensuring that Socotra’s valuable marine ecosystems remain productive for future generations, while maintaining stable income opportunities for local fishing communities.

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18 February 2026

IOM Yemen: How Women Carry the Scent of Home in Yemen’s Displacement Camps

Ma’rib, Yemen In the heart of a displacement camp in Ma’rib, a small family gathers around a makeshift table as morning begins. Children’s laughter, neighbours calling to one another, and footsteps moving between shelters blend together, filling the air.For many women here, life is a constant balancing act: caring for children, managing scarce resources, and holding onto dignity in a world disrupted by conflict. Yet even in displacement, women find ways to recreate a sense of home through routine, memory, and tradition. Among them is Amatalatif, a mother whose skills and determination have become a lifeline for others.Amatalatif’s journey began years ago in Aden, where she received her first training in traditional handcrafts, including incense and perfume-making. “At the time, we were among the first groups to receive this kind of training, so we were very excited,” she recalls. What began as a learning opportunity soon became a mission. After her training, Amatalatif helped set up a women’s association, where she trained dozens of women, many of them widowed or divorced, to develop practical skills and earn their own income. Her work later took her to Sana’a, where she spent three years training women through local charity associations, supporting those raising families on their own.In 2016, as insecurity grew and her children’s schooling was disrupted, Amatalatif was forced to flee again, this time to Ma’rib. Divorced and raising four children on her own, she suddenly found herself displaced and solely responsible for their survival.‎“Starting over in displacement is not easy,” she says. “I had to rebuild not just my life, but the lives of my children. They depended on me, so giving up was never an option.” Determined to continue supporting other women, Amatalatif began volunteering in Ma’rib’s displacement camps in 2020. She brought women together in small groups of ten, found a place where they could meet, and walked for half an hour each day to teach them how to make incense using basic materials.Her efforts soon drew attention. Women in the camps began asking for more structured training, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) responded by formalizing workshops across several sites in Ma’rib Alwadi and Al Jufainah. Recognizing her experience and leadership, Amatalatif was then hired to lead the training herself.“These trainings give women more than skills,” she explains. “They help restore confidence and give women something to hold on to. I treat the women like my daughters, guiding them, answering their questions, and supporting them as they start making products on their own.” The workshops go beyond simple craft sessions. They offer women a way to stay connected to tradition and to one another. IOM’s programme equips women with the skills to produce four types of traditional incense, alongside guidance on marketing, product evaluation, and safe handling of materials. Fifty women, many in particularly vulnerable situations, took part in the training, receiving materials free of charge and learning how to sell their products safely and earn an income. The programme is closely supported by field staff, including Sabah, who coordinates the activities on a daily basis. “Many of these women have been displaced and lost the family members who supported them,” she explains. “They asked for this training because they needed a way to earn an income and support their families.”Sabah says the impact goes beyond earning an income.“I’ve received messages from women telling me how much the training has helped them,” she says. “It’s made a real difference to how they feel.” Through her daily work, Sabah has seen how the sessions offer a rare sense of stability. Amid the instability of camp life, they give women something to focus on, a chance to learn, create, and support one another.‎“Every day, I see women just trying to get through the day,” Sabah says. “The training gives them something meaningful to hold on to and a sense of control over their lives.”One participant, Om Ahmed, embodies this shift. Widowed for more than 20 years, she fled her home in Hajjah in 2019 after it was destroyed. Now living in a shelter in Al Jufainah with her children, some of whom need ongoing medical care, she was struggling with debt and had no steady source of income.“My neighbour used to make incense and I had always admired her work,” she says. “I had hoped one day I could learn the skill myself.”That opportunity came through the workshop. With guidance from Amatalatif and IOM staff, Om Ahmed learned to produce around 15 to 20 cans of incense at a time, which she now sells to neighbours and at local gatherings. She has also begun exploring commission-based sales with nearby shops.“I finally learned the skill I had hoped for,” she shared. “It helped me get through difficult days and kept me busy. Now I can support my family and feel more confident about the future.” As Ramadan approaches, the impact of the training becomes even more tangible. For many women, gaining a marketable skill has eased one of their greatest anxieties: providing for their families. During the month, the workshops take on deeper meaning, as women gather to produce cone incense, laugh, learn, and share moments of connection while fasting.“It becomes part of our routine,” Sabah says. “Even with so much uncertainty around them, women keep finding ways to support their families. During Ramadan, that sense of togetherness matters even more.”While skills-building supports longer-term self-reliance, many families still face urgent daily needs, particularly during Ramadan. For women like Om Ahmed, this support helps ease immediate pressures and creates space to care for their families and think ahead.The workshops were implemented by IOM in Ma’rib with support from EU Humanitarian Aid.Donate to help crisis-affected families meet their most urgent needs through IOM's Islamic Philanthropy Fund. This story was written by Mennatallah Homaid, Senior Communication Assistant with IOM Yemen.

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Story

15 February 2026

UN-Habitat Yemen: After 16 Years, Yemeni sisters win rightful share of family home

This story comes ahead of the resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, taking place from 29 to 30 May 2025 in Nairobi, which will feature, among others, a high-level dialogue on adequate housing for all.When Hala Mohammad’s father passed away in 2007, he left behind a house in Yemen’s Abyan governorate. What followed was a long, difficult inheritance dispute that stretched over 16 years.While Hala and her four sisters expected to share the property with their brothers, the brothers claimed the house for themselves – arguing that the sisters were already living with their husbands and didn’t need a share.But those homes, Hala explains, were not theirs. “They belonged to our husbands. We had no property of our own.”In Yemen, this situation is not uncommon. According to ACAPS, only 10 to 20 per cent of women in the country have secure land or housing tenure. Inheritance disputes, often shaped by tradition and social expectations, make it difficult for women to claim their rights.A rapid assessment by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) found that 29 per cent of women surveyed had never claimed their inheritance, often due to social pressures or fear of backlash. Some even face threats or violence when attempting to do so – a form of gender-based violence.For years, Hala and her sisters sought help from community leaders and neighbours. One brother had moved into the disputed house, while their mother moved between her daughters’ homes. Though there was talk of selling the house, negotiations repeatedly stalled. Social norms discouraged taking legal action against family members, and no resolution was found.Things changed when Hala was invited to an awareness session on housing, land, and property (HLP) rights conducted by UN-Habitat’s legal team in Aden. “It helped us understand that we had legal rights – and we weren’t alone,” Hala said.After the session, Hala and her sisters received legal counselling. Equipped with new information and confidence, they approached their uncle and the local mosque to help mediate. With growing understanding and support, their brothers eventually agreed to sell the house and share the proceeds with their sisters.Today, the sisters and their mother are preparing to buy a new home together in Abyan – a shared space that they can call their own.Hala’s story reflects the goals of UN-Habitat’s project “Support to Housing, Land and Property Rights for Vulnerable Communities and Improve Land Tenure Security of Women in Yemen”. Since its launch, the project has reached over 20,000 people through awareness sessions, legal advice, mediation support, and capacity-building for local authorities.By combining community engagement with legal empowerment, the project helps strengthen tenure security for women – and supports long-term social cohesion and peacebuilding across Yemen.

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Press Release

23 February 2026

WHO Yemen: WHO continues large-scale malaria response across Yemen

23 February 2026, Aden,Yemen - The World Health Organization (WHO), with the generous support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), is currently implementing Phase 2 of a project to strengthen malaria control and prevention in Yemen, expanding life-saving malaria and arboviral disease interventions across 15 governorates and more than 200 districts nationwide.Running from March 2025 to February 2028, the project’s goal is to strengthen prevention, surveillance and case management services in high-risk and epidemic-prone areas, prioritizing pregnant women, children under-5, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, migrants and communities in hard-to-reach locations.Ongoing interventions reaching millionsThe project is expected to benefit 8.7 million people, through an integrated package of interventions designed to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality and contain outbreaks of dengue and other arboviral diseases.Activities currently underway include:distribution of malaria rapid diagnostic tests and laboratory supplies to strengthen early detection and confirmation of malaria and dengueprovision of essential antimalarial medicines, ensuring timely treatment for uncomplicated and severe malaria casesreactivation of quality assurance/quality control systems for malaria microscopy in targeted health facilities to improve diagnostic accuracyexpansion of integrated community case management, including training and supervision of community health volunteers to increase access to testing and treatment in remote districtsimplementation of indoor residual spraying in prioritized high-burden and epidemic-prone areasestablishment of continuous distribution of insecticide-treated nets through antenatal care and immunization services to protect pregnant women and infantsstrengthening of integrated entomological surveillance in 16 sentinel sites to monitor mosquito vectors and guide targeted control measuresdeployment of mobile teams to deliver surveillance and case management services in IDP sites and high-risk border areas.Malaria and arboviral diseases remain significant public health threats in Yemen, particularly in areas affected by displacement, environmental changes and limited access to essential services. Sustained surveillance and targeted vector control remain critical to preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable communities.“WHO remains committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have access to timely diagnosis, effective treatment and proven prevention tools,” said Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative in Yemen. “Through strengthened surveillance and community-based services, we are helping to reduce the burden of malaria and other arboviral diseases across the country.”WHO expresses its sincere appreciation to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) for its continued support to malaria control and prevention efforts in Yemen, enabling the delivery of these life-saving interventions to millions of people at risk.Media contactsWHO Yemen CommunicationsEmail: mediayemen@who.intAbout WHOFounded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinate responses to health emergencies and advance well-being for all.

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Press Release

12 February 2026

World Health Organization appeals for urgent health funding to protect millions of lives in Yemen in 2026

Aden, Yemen The World Health Organization (WHO) is appealing for US$ 38.8 million to deliver life-saving emergency health assistance to 10.5 million people across Yemen in 2026, as the country enters another year of protracted conflict, disease outbreaks, climate shocks and deepening humanitarian needs. After more than a decade of crisis, Yemen continues to face one of the world’s most complex health emergencies. An estimated 23.1 million people require humanitarian assistance, while only around 60% of health facilities remain fully functional, leaving millions without reliable access to essential care.“Yemen’s health system is stretched to its limits,” said Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen. “Without sustained and timely funding, preventable diseases will spread unchecked, health facilities will be forced to scale down services, and the most vulnerable communities will pay the highest price.”Yemen continues to experience multiple, concurrent disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles, dengue fever and polio, driven by low immunization coverage, unsafe water and sanitation, population displacement and limited access to care. Climate-related shocks, including floods and extreme weather, are intensifying transmission risks and damaging already fragile health infrastructure.At the same time, acute malnutrition remains a major public health threat. Millions of children are affected, with hundreds of thousands facing severe acute malnutrition requiring urgent medical treatment. Without access to timely health and nutrition services, children remain highly vulnerable to preventable and life-threatening infections.In 2026, under the Humanitarian Reset, WHO’s response in Yemen will prioritize life-saving and time-critical interventions in areas with the highest needs. Through its leadership of the Health Cluster, WHO will continue to strengthen disease surveillance and rapid response, ensure access to essential medicines and supplies, deploy mobile and surgical teams, support immunization campaigns, and build national capacity to sustain essential health services.“Every delay in funding translates into lost opportunities to save lives,” Dr Hussain added. “This appeal is not only about responding to emergencies – it is about preserving the foundations of Yemen’s health system and preventing further human suffering.”WHO calls on international partners and donors to urgently scale up support to ensure that critical health services remain available to communities across Yemen throughout 2026.Related linksWHO Health Emergency Appeal for Yemen 2026Media contactsWHO Yemen CommunicationsEmail: mediayemen@who.intAbout WHOFounded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinate responses to health emergencies and advance well-being for all.

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Press Release

12 February 2026

UNOPS Yemen: Japan, UNOPS Strengthen the Operational Capacity of Yemen Customs

Riyadh, 12 February 2026 The Government of Japan and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed a new agreement to support the Yemen Customs Authority (YCA). With the funding of 732 million Japanese yen (approximately USD 4.6 million), the “Project for the Improvement of Customs Functions at Major Ports” will procure cargo inspection devices and the necessary spare parts to enhance the efficiency of customs clearance procedures at targeted border ports. In addition, this initiative will equip the YCA Disaster Recovery Site (DRS) with essential IT infrastructure enabling the operationalization of the centralized data recovery facility and supporting the modernization of Yemen’s customs operations.H.E. Mr. Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Yemen, remarked “This assistance is, by enhancing customs infrastructure and capacity development, to strengthen the rule of law, support revenue collection for national economy, and safeguard and facilitate essential supply chains including humanitarian assistance for the Yemeni people. Japan reaffirms its commitment together with UNOPS and other partners to supporting nation building efforts by the Yemeni people.”Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman, stated: “Today marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Yemeni Customs Authority through vital and much appreciated funding from our longstanding partner - the Government of Japan. The measures proposed under this project are important to revitalizing and modernizing the Yemeni Customs, while enhancing efficiency of the custom procedures. UNOPS remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Government of Yemen towards reconstruction and sustainable development with the valuable support of the international community.” The project contributes to the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan Strategic Objective 2 related to improving and maintaining non-discriminatory access to basic services and building resilience. It also contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.- END -About UNOPS: UNOPS offers practical solutions to the UN and other partners, across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.orgUNOPS Operational Hub in Amman implements projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and implements work in partnership with bilateral and multilateral donors, national governments and other UN agencies. For Press Inquiries, please contact:Anwar Abu Sakieneh, Communications Specialist (UNOPS) AnwarAB@unops.org I +962 7 9902 6315 I +962 6 5902122

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Press Release

11 February 2026

FAO Yemen; Socotra’s pastoral livelihoods under growing threat as climate shocks deepen food insecurity

Socotra Island, Yemen – 11 February 2026 Socotra, Yemen’s unique archipelago known worldwide for its extraordinary biodiversity and pristine landscapes, is facing an escalating climate crisis that is threatening livestock, pastoralist livelihoods and food security across the island.A recent assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) found that two consecutive years of drought have placed livestock and natural pastures under severe stress. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, as grazing areas continue to deteriorate, the number of people experiencing food insecurity has increased over the past year. Socotra, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and growing tourist destination, has remained largely insulated from the armed conflict affecting mainland Yemen, and has seen a steady increase in tourism over recent years. However, its fragile ecosystems and high dependence on rain-fed pastures make it extremely vulnerable to climate variability and environmental shocks. Without adequate rainfall, pastoral communities are facing mounting pressure on their primary sources of food and income; pastures have withered, and water sources have dwindled, leaving pastoralist communities with few options to sustain their herds.Since 2023, the island has experienced an unprecedented drought, with little to no rainfall or flooding. Vast grazing lands have turned into barren terrain, forcing herders to abandon dozens of villages in search of water and pasture. In many cases, families travel long distances daily just to keep their animals alive, intensifying migration pressures and worsening food insecurity.Even communities equipped with water harvesting tanks report near-total depletion, as limited storage capacities are unable to withstand prolonged dry spells. Technical experts emphasize the urgent need to scale up water harvesting infrastructure and pasture rehabilitation to stabilize pastoral livelihoods.FAO Yemen is responding through its ongoing Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project on Socotra, which supports climate adaptation and sustainable natural resource management. The project is implementing integrated interventions, including the rehabilitation of degraded pastures, expansion of water harvesting infrastructure, and promotion of improved livestock management practices to strengthen resilience among pastoral households.Ebrahim AlQadasi, FAO Senior Water Resources Engineer, who recently completed a mission to the island, warned:“Water resource management on Socotra is facing very big challenges and needs critical improvement interventions in all aspects to adapt to climate change.”Local livestock farmer Hasan Lam Amer described the daily struggle:“Due to the severe drought, we are forced to move with our livestock for 20 kilometers each day just to find green areas for grazing and water to drink.”FAO calls on development partners, donors and the international community to scale up investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable land management and pastoral livelihood support in Socotra. Timely and coordinated action is essential to protect food security, reduce displacement risks, and preserve the island’s unique, yet fragile ecosystems. Before the drought After the drought

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