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

15 June 2026

UN Yemen Country Results Report 2025

After more than a decade of conflict, Yemen, home to more than 40 million people, remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian and development crises, driven by economic collapse and regional volatility. Humanitarian needs continue to rise, with over 21 million people projected to require assistance in 2026. Acute food insecurity affects an estimated 18.3 million people, while 2.2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Disease outbreaks, including measles and cholera, are further straining the health system.The development trajectory has sharply deteriorated. Yemen’s economy has contracted by more than 50 per cent since the start of the conflict, with GDP per capita cut by over half. Yemen imports around 90 per cent of its food, leaving it highly exposed to global shocks. Only around 59 per cent of health facilities are fully functional, while access to basic services remains highly uneven. As a result, more than 80 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line.Furthermore, Yemen’s vulnerability to climate change became more evident in 2025, affecting hundreds of thousands of people, with floodingdamaging homes and infrastructure across multiple governorates.The operating environment for the UN entities and partners has further deteriorated, particularly in areas under the control of the Houthi de facto authorities (DFA), where approximately 80 per cent of humanitarian needs are concentrated. The continued arbitrary detention of 73 UN personnel, alongside restrictions on movement and the seizure of UN assets, has severely constrained operations.Amid the crisis, Yemen has made notable policy strides. The newly appointed Government of Yemen has set a clear objective to focus on recovery efforts to address the root causes of recurrent humanitarian crises. This objective is reflected in the adoption of the Government Plan for Economic Development and Urgent Priorities.
The Government has also approved its first National Policy on Internal Displacement.Despite these challenges, opportunities remain to stabilize conditions through a more integrated humanitarian–development approach. This requires sustained international engagement, predictable financing, and a renewed commitment to addressing humanitarian needs while investing in recovery.The UN will continue to support these efforts, aligning its next Cooperation Framework with national priorities in recovery, climate resilience, and social protection. The UNCT’s ability to deliver assistance while laying the groundwork for future recovery remains critical in this complex environment. The next chapter details how the UN’s coordinated efforts under the Cooperation Framework translated these priorities into results, bridging the humanitarian response with development initiatives to support Yemen’s people and institutions in 2025.

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Press Release

06 April 2026

IOM Sustains Lifesaving Health Services Across Yemen Amid Growing Needs

Aden, Yemen – As Yemen’s health system continues to deteriorate under the weight of prolonged conflict, economic decline, and climate shocks, millions remain without reliable access to basic medical care and face growing risks of preventable disease and death. Despite these challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) remains on the frontlines, delivering critical health services to vulnerable communities in some of the country’s most underserved areas. With a fragile health system—where only 59.3 percent of health facilities are fully functional and vaccination coverage remains limited—Yemen continues to face a high burden of epidemic-prone diseases. Flooding between August and October 2025 further disrupted services, affecting 68,000 households and damaging dozens of health facilities across 162 districts. Regional tensions and instability also complicate humanitarian operations. In 2025, IOM supported over 350,000 primary health-care consultations, including more than 73,000 for migrants. More than 100,000 people were also reached with mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). As part of its mental health response, IOM renovated Ta’iz Mental Hospital, the region’s only referral center. The project installed solar power and provided medical equipment and supplies. These improvements increased hospital capacity and raised the standard of care for patients from Ta’iz and neighboring governorates. Maternal and child health services remain central to IOM’s response. Over 19,000 pregnant women received antenatal care, while more than 3,000 women benefited from postnatal services. IOM also supported over 3,300 safe normal deliveries, and 1,271 Caesarean sections. Preventive care remains essential in mitigating long-term health risks. More than 53,000 children were vaccinated in 2025, while over 15,000 were screened for malnutrition. “Yemen’s health system remains under immense strain, yet the needs continue to grow,” said Abdusattor Esoev, Chief of Mission for IOM in Yemen. “Through sustained support, IOM is helping ensure that vulnerable communities can still access basic health services. But without timely and flexible funding, the ability to maintain these lifesaving interventions will be at serious risk.” Despite these efforts, humanitarian needs remain staggering. An estimated 19.3 million people in Yemen require assistance, including access to essential health services. The continued spread of epidemic-prone diseases, including one of the largest cholera outbreaks globally, adds further pressure to an already overstretched system. To strengthen the health response, IOM supported over 3,400 referrals to secondary health care and trained 132 health-care workers across key areas. As part of the cholera response, IOM supported a Diarrheal Treatment Center (DTC) in Hays and Oral Rehydration Corners (ORCs) in public health facilities. IOM also delivers lifesaving support for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria through the Global Fund–supported Middle East Response programme. In 2025, over 16,500 people received HIV testing, with more than 400 individuals linked to care and over 5,000 continuing treatments. During the same period, over 11,000 TB cases were notified, and nearly 1 million suspected malaria cases were tested. Without sustained investment, critical health services risk further disruption, with serious consequences for millions already facing limited access to care. IOM calls on the international community to urgently scale up funding to sustain lifesaving health services, strengthen outbreak prevention and response, and support the recovery of Yemen’s health system. IOM’s health response is supported by donors, including the European Aid (ECHO), the Government of Japan, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the State of Kuwait, and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. For more information, please contact: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int

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06 April 2026

IOM Sustains Lifesaving Health Services Across Yemen Amid Growing Needs

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28 July 2026

UNDP Yemen: The Green Cycle: How strong agricultural systems power food security in Yemen

At sunrise in the Abyan Delta, farmer Abdulghalib walks through rows of young seedlings, carefully inspecting their leaves.Just a few years ago, fields like this one struggled to survive. Seedlings brought from other governorates were expensive and often weak because they were not properly preserved and were exposed to hard conditions. Inorganic fertilisers damaged the soil. Irrigation depended on costly fuel, and inadequate storage capacity meant that even successful harvests could lose value before reaching the market.Today, Abdulghalib’s crops look different; they’re stronger, healthier, and yielding more.“The seedlings from Abdullah Mashhoor’s nursery are much better than what we used before,” he says. “And the compost changed the way I farm. I no longer buy inorganic fertilisers that harm the land.”His experience reflects a broader transformation taking place across Abyan Governorate, long known as the “food basket” of southern Yemen.Rather than tackling farming challenges one at a time, a new initiative has strengthened the entire agricultural system at once by connecting farmers, suppliers, processors, and markets into a functioning local value chain. The results show a powerful lesson: when every part of the agricultural system improves together, the impact is far greater than the sum of its parts. A system, not a projectPrior to launching the intervention, national partner Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS), conducted market assessments and consultations with farmers to understand the obstacles that were limiting their agricultural productivity.The findings showed they were not facing a single problem, but rather a set of interconnected challenges. Imported seedlings were costly and unreliable. Flood irrigation wasted scarce water. Inorganic fertilisers and pesticides damaged the soil health. Access to quality agricultural inputs was limited. And weak post-harvest systems caused losses that were estimated at 26 per cent of production.In response, UNDP in partnership with SMEPS, introduced an integrated model known locally as the “Green Cycle” through the World Bank’s funded Emergency Social Protection Enhancement and COVID-19 Response Project (ESPECRP).The model focused on strengthening the entire agricultural supply chain by supporting local enterprises that provide farmers with seedlings, organic fertilisers, pest management, irrigation technologies, processing services, and market access. Local businesses drive actionAt the centre of this work are local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), many of which expanded their operations through the ESPECRP support.One of them is Bin Mashhoor Nursery, which was founded by agricultural engineer, Abdullah.“With the support we received, we established the nursery from scratch,” he says. “At first farmers were hesitant. But after they saw the results, demand quickly grew.”Since locally produced seedlings are better adapted to Abyan’s climate and soil, they have helped farmers reduce their reliance on imported plants. Nearby, Al-Joule Women’s Association has become an important supplier of organic compost.Manager Haseenah recalls how the project changed their production process: “Before, it took two or three months for compost to decompose. With the solar-powered shredding machine we received, the materials break down much faster and production has dramatically improved.”The entire facility is powered by a solar energy system, supporting sustainable and efficient production even without reliable electricity. What began as a small association with 58 members has grown to 142 women, expanding their business reach and creating a sustainable income for local families.The nursery and association are not operating in isolation. Compost produced by Al-Joule improves the soil health, while high-quality seedlings from Bin Mashhoor translate that improved soil into stronger yields. By sharing knowledge, resources, and market access, they reinforce each other’s work. Most recently, their partnership enabled them to fulfill a 70-tonne compost order which was valued at USD$12,000. This ecosystem is further strengthened by the role of Al-Bakri Foundation, which has improved access to essential agricultural inputs. By establishing a warehouse and offering farmers flexible credit terms on materials such as drip irrigation systems, pipes, and shade netting, the foundation helps to ensure that farmers can adopt improved practices without prohibitive upfront costs. In doing so, it closes a critical gap between supply and affordability. A shift toward greener farming practicesRecognising the challenges associated with inorganic pesticides, local entrepreneurs have also begun producing neem oil, a natural pest control solution derived from the seeds of neem trees. Mill owner, Ali, explains why farmers quickly embraced it: “This product is safe for people, animals, and bees. The neem powder also protects crops from termites.” For farmers like Osama, the difference is visible in the fields: “Since I started using it, pests are much less of a problem. My crops are healthier and production is better than before.” From harvest to marketImproving production was only part of the solution. Farmers also needed better systems to process, store, and transport their crops.Bin Fulais Agricultural Agency received support to expand their seed processing and storage capacity. With modern equipment, the agency increased their output from 500 kilograms per day to nearly 10 tonnes.The Agency’s manager, Mamoun, explains the importance of this step: “We provide farmers with high-quality sesame seeds and connect them with buyers through our marketing network.” In turn, these improvements have reduced post-harvest losses and helped them to secure better prices in the market. “Our biggest challenge used to be what happened after harvest,” says sesame farmer, Saber. “Now the seeds are cleaned, sorted, and properly stored before going to market.” At the Delta Abyan Food Processing Facility, crops are then packaged and prepared for distribution.Processing standards have been strengthened through the collaboration between Bin Fulais Agricultural Agency and Delta Abyan Food Processing Facility. Bin Fulais handles post-harvest cleaning, sorting, and seed preparation, while Delta Abyan adds value with airtight packaging, and precise weighing, ensuring market-ready products.“Our focus is on quality,” explains facility manager, Ebtesam. “When the product is handled well, farmers’ efforts are rewarded.” These gains are reinforced further along the chain. Fuad, who operates both as a produce distributor and owner of Al-Maqbouli ripening facility, plays a dual role in ensuring crops reach markets in optimal condition. With project support, he replaced a truck that frequently broke down and improved the reliability of products transport. At the same time, the rehabilitation of his ripening facility has strengthened post-harvest handling by allowing produce to be stored and ripened. “Now we can reach distant markets,” Fuad says, “and deliver products in much better condition.”Solar energy has further stabilised operations across facilities by reducing fuel dependence and enabling more consistent processing and storage. When the system starts to WorkAs these interventions took hold across multiple points in the value chain, the results became visible throughout the agricultural system. Employment in supported SMEs increased by 138 per cent, rising from 47 to 112 formal jobs, including 45 women employed for the first time. Micro-enterprises expanded as well, with permanent employment growing from 11 to 39 workers, alongside a steady rise in daily wage opportunities across rural communities.At the same time, businesses became more productive and profitable. SME annual sales increased by 48 per cent, while net profits rose by 22.6 per cent, reflecting stronger efficiency and improved market access. Micro-enterprises experienced similar gains, with average sales increasing from $21,000 to $36,000.Operational improvements have also strengthened sustainability across the value chain. Production losses declined by 26 percent, while solar energy now accounts for approximately 75 per cent of operational power. As a result, fuel consumption has dropped by 42 per cent, lowering costs while improving reliability.For farmers, these changes translated into meaningful gains. Incomes increased, the quality of crops improved, and the risks associated with farming began to decrease. This marks a clear shift from fragile production to a more stable and resilient agricultural system. Replenishing the food basketBy strengthening multiple parts of the system simultaneously, from seedlings and soil health to processing, logistics, and markets, the Green Cycle approach has helped to rebuild a resilient agricultural economy in Abyan.According to nursery owner, Abdullah Mashhoor, the goal is now long-term stability: “We want farmers to be able to access strong seedlings locally. That way their harvests improve year after year.”Meanwhile, Al-Joule Women’s Association continues to expand opportunities for rural women through producing traditional foods, spices, and natural products for local markets.Across the governorate, farmers, suppliers, processors, and distributors are increasingly connected through a functioning local agricultural system.For a region long known as the “food basket” of southern Yemen, that transformation means more than higher production. It means the fields of Abyan are feeding families, sustaining livelihoods, and anchoring the region’s economic future once again.

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23 July 2026

WHO Yemen: Government of Yemen, WHO, UNICEF and FAO advance pandemic preparedness through Third Steering Committee Meeting

23 July 2026, Aden, YemenThe Government of Yemen, together with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund(UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), today convened the third Steering Committee meeting of the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project (PPRP), reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthen national capacities to prevent, detect and respond to future public health threats through a coordinated One Health approach. Held in Aden, with hybrid participation from across Yemen and abroad, the meeting brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water and Environment, WHO, UNICEF, FAO and national and international partners. The Steering Committee provides strategic direction and oversight and provides a platform for the coordination of multisectoral efforts to strengthen Yemen’s pandemic preparedness and response capacities.Participants at the Steering Committee meeting reviewed annual and cumulative progress against project objectives, assessed implementation challenges and identified practical solutions to address bottlenecks. Discussions also focused on setting strategic priorities for the remaining implementation period while ensuring alignment with national priorities and evolving needs. "Pandemics do not recognize borders or sectors. Strengthening preparedness requires sustained collaboration across human, animal and environmental health,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain. “Through this project, WHO is proud to support the Government of Yemen and our partners in building stronger disease surveillance and laboratory systems, a skilled public health workforce and resilient institutions that can better prevent, detect early and respond to future health emergencies. Today’s Steering Committee reflects our shared commitment to advancing the One Health approach in building Yemen’s national capacity to protect the health of its people from all hazard emergencies and public health threats."“Communities are the frontline of disease detection and outbreak response. Through the Pandemic Fund partnership between the Government of Yemen UNICEF, FAO and WHO, we are strengthening surveillance and response capacities from communities to national institutions. UNICEF is working with the Government of Yemen and partners to build a resilient community health platform that links households with health facilities and laboratories for timely detection and response to public health threats. The continued engagement of this Steering Committee reflects the importance of collaboration in building effective and sustainable pandemic preparedness systems.” said Mr. Akhil Iyer, UNICEF Representative a.i in Yemen. The Steering Committee validated project progress and endorsed priority actions for the next implementation period, including strengthening multisectoral coordination, accelerating implementation, enhancing monitoring and reporting mechanisms and reinforcing national ownership and sustainability of the project through the established One Health Platform.This steering committee meeting marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen Yemen's preparedness for future health threats through a One Health approach, which emphasizes the intrinsic links among human, animal, and environmental health. Dr Adam Yao, FAO Representative a.i. in Yemen, affirms, “FAO remains committed to working alongside our government counterparts and UN partners to enhance zoonotic disease surveillance, strengthen laboratory and veterinary capacities, and promote coordinated action that builds resilient food systems and safeguards livelihoods.”The meeting concluded with agreement on an updated action plan, strengthened follow-up mechanisms to monitor implementation, and continued collaboration among government institutions, WHO, UNICEF, FAO and partners to ensure the project remains aligned with national priorities and contributes to stronger health security for the people of YemenThe Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project (PPRP) is funded by the Pandemic Fund and jointly implemented by WHO, UNICEF and FAO, in close partnership with the Government of Yemen.WHO, UNICEF and FAO express their appreciation to the Pandemic Fund for financial support which is enabling Yemen to enhance its capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies through investments in disease surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce development, emergency preparedness, risk communication and community engagement and One Health coordination.Notes to editorsThe Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project (PPRP) were launched in April 2024 to strengthen Yemen’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to pandemics and other public health emergencies through a multisectoral One Health approach.The project supports strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, workforce development, emergency preparedness, action against antimicrobial resistance, points of entry and risk communication and community engagement, and promotes collaboration across the human, animal and environmental health sectors.The third Steering Committee meeting:validated annual and cumulative project progress;agreed strategic priorities for the remaining implementation period;identified actions to address implementation bottlenecks;strengthened multisectoral coordination among government institutions and implementing partners;advanced efforts to institutionalize the national One Health Platform; andendorsed enhanced monitoring, reporting and action-tracking mechanisms.For media inquiries, please contact:WHO Yemen Communications Team – mediayemen@who.intUNICEF Yemen Communications Team – yemenmedia@unicef.orgFAO Yemen Communications Team – evani.debone@fao.org

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23 July 2026

UNODC: Strengthening maritime investigations to counter crime at sea in Yemen

“One of the most valuable aspects of the course was learning how to transform fragmented information into actionable intelligence products that can support operational decision-making.”
For Yemen Coast Guard investigators, this can mean the difference between responding to an individual incident and understanding the wider criminal activity behind it. Yemen’s waters span the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic maritime corridor facing threats including narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, migrant smuggling, trafficking in persons and other forms of organized maritime crimes. These crimes can involve multiple vessels, facilitators and routes. A suspicious movement at sea, an irregular document or a piece of operational reporting may only become meaningful when assessed alongside other information. Investigators must be able to establish what it may indicate, who may be involved and what evidence is needed to support further action. As part of strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities in Yemen, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), delivered a week-long training in Aden focused on maritime investigative techniques. The training enhanced the Yemen Coast Guard’s ability to analyze maritime information, support investigations, and respond to illicit activities at sea. The activity was supported by the European Union under the Regional Programme on Maritime Security in the Red Sea.The course brought together Yemen Coast Guard officers from investigative and operational roles for presentations, discussions, case studies and practical exercises focused on the maritime security environment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Participants examined how criminal groups use maritime routes to facilitate illicit activity and explored Maritime Domain Awareness and the intelligence cycle as tools for turning collected information into actionable intelligence. Using vessel-tracking systems, open-source material, human intelligence and operational reporting, officers practised evaluating information while safeguarding sensitive material. They also mapped the roles and relationships of individuals involved in criminal activity through link charts and timelines, and used Automatic Identification System data to identify vessel behaviour that may require further scrutiny, such as tracking gaps, prolonged loitering and possible ship-to-ship transfers. The course also covered core investigative procedures, including evidence collection and documentation, chain-of-custody requirements, interview preparation and assessing inconsistencies in information and testimony.Sessions on smuggling and concealment methods, document-fraud indicators, analytical databases and information security further supported participants’ understanding of how information should be managed and safeguarded throughout an investigation.The final exercises brought these elements together. Working through integrated maritime crime scenarios, participants applied the techniques covered during the course to identify potential leads, map connections and develop investigative approaches based on the information available. For one investigator with the Yemen Coast Guard, the training offered a new way to approach the information encountered during daily work. Before attending the course, his investigations relied mainly on operational experience and information gathered during routine activities. While he had experience in maritime law enforcement, he had limited exposure to structured analytical methods for identifying leads, assessing suspicious vessel activity and supporting intelligence-led operations. “The training provided me with practical tools and techniques that have significantly improved my ability to analyze information, identify relationships between suspects and criminal networks, and support investigations using structured analytical methods,” he said.He also highlighted the value of strengthening his understanding of evidence management, chain-of-custody procedures, interview preparation and document-fraud indicators. “As a result of this training, I now feel more confident in supporting maritime investigations, analyzing suspicious maritime activities, and contributing to intelligence-led operations. The knowledge gained will help me perform my duties more effectively and support the Yemen Coast Guard's efforts to combat maritime crime and enhance maritime security,” he added.By strengthening the investigative and analytical skills of Yemen Coast Guard officers, UNODC is supporting a more proactive response to maritime crime. The training is helping officers better assess information, develop stronger investigations and help prevent and disrupt illicit activity at sea. For more information, please contact:Mr. Mostafa Elbanna (Mostafa.Elbanna@un.org)Gulf of Aden and Red Sea Programme CoordinatorGlobal Maritime Crime ProgrammeUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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22 July 2026

WHO and FAO launch One Health Capacity-Building Programme to strengthen preparedness for future health threats

22 July 2026, Aden, Yemen The World Health Organization (WHO), with support from the Pandemic Fund, is partnering with Global Health Development | Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (GHD|EMPHNET) to build national capacity for the One Health workforce. WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and GHD|EMPHNET officially launched the One Health Capacity-Building Programme during an inception workshop held in Aden. The project aims to strengthen Yemen's capacity to prevent, detect and respond to One Health threats that emerge at the interface between humans, animals and the environment through a coordinated One Health approach. It brings together the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries (MoAIF), and the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), along with the Pandemic Fund project's implementing partners, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Global Health Development | Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (GHD|EMPHNET), as well as other relevant stakeholders. The workshop brought together ministers, senior government officials, technical experts, academia, development partners and representatives from national and international organizations to align Programme objectives, the implementation approach, coordination mechanisms and next steps.Building on existing One Health coordination mechanisms and investments in preparedness, the Programme will strengthen Yemen's multidisciplinary workforce through 3 key components: the One Health Leadership and Management Programme, the One Health Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) and One Health rapid response teams (RRTs). The initiative will enhance integrated surveillance, laboratory capacity, joint outbreak investigation, emergency preparedness and coordinated response across sectors.Through the Pandemic Fund support, an agreement was reached among the three sectors (human, animal and environment) on eight national priority zoonotic diseases for multisectoral collaboration and a joint One Health Action Plan for 2026–2028 was developed. This project will therefore augment the national capacity by preparing a trained workforce from the three sectors to lead joint risk assessment, investigation and response to the priority zoonotic diseases and other One Health threats of greatest concern for Yemen."Health threats do not respect the boundaries between people, animals or the environment. Strengthening collaboration across these sectors is essential to better protect communities and build resilient systems capable of preventing and responding to future emergencies," said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain. "Through this partnership, WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Yemen in building a skilled multidisciplinary workforce that can translate the One Health approach into effective action across the country targeting prioritized zoonotic diseases of greatest concern for Yemen." The inception workshop introduced the Programme's implementation framework, outlined the expected outputs and implementation timeline and provided a platform for stakeholders to agree on coordination arrangements, participant nomination processes and immediate next steps.Participants discussed how stronger collaboration between ministries, UN agencies, academia and development partners can accelerate the implementation of One Health priorities and reinforce national preparedness for future health emergencies.Ministry representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multisectoral collaboration and advancing a coordinated national One Health agenda that protects public health, animal health, livelihoods and the environment.The programme will build national capacities through joint learning and practical training, enabling professionals from different sectors to work together more effectively in detecting, preventing and responding to emerging health threats.Dr Adam Yao, FAO Representative a.i. in Yemen, noted that the Yemen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project's contribution to building the nation's institutional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats through a comprehensive One Health framework is remarkable. "Healthy animals, healthy people, and healthy ecosystems are inextricably linked. In the animal health sector, support for strengthening disease surveillance, laboratories, quarantine, and border inspection systems is key to reducing risks of zoonotic disease and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), ensuring biosecurity for Yemeni people and neighboring countries," Dr Yao affirmed. The workshop concluded with agreement on implementation priorities, coordination mechanisms, designated focal points and a roadmap for rolling out Programme activities in the coming months.WHO, FAO, GHD|EMPHNET and national partners will continue to work closely with the Government of Yemen to strengthen One Health capacities and reinforce the country's preparedness and resilience against future health emergencies.The One Health Capacity-Building Programme is being implemented as part of broader efforts to strengthen Yemen's pandemic preparedness and response capacities through a multisectoral One Health approach.For media inquiries, please contact:WHO Yemen Communications Team – mediayemen@who.intFAO Yemen Communications Team – evani.debone@fao.org

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22 July 2026

WHO Yemen: A year of lifesaving impact: OCHA funding strengthens health services for thousands in Yemen

Aden, Yemen Thousands of people in Yemen’s conflict-affected districts are gaining access to essential health services thanks to support from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) through the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF).In Lawdar (Abyan), Al Bayda City, Al Husha and Far' Al Udayn districts, OCHA-funded projects implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) have strengthened access to emergency and trauma care, care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), communicable disease response and maternal and child health services, allowing vulnerable communities to access lifesaving health services closer to where they live.Designed to address critical health needs in areas heavily affected by conflict and limited access to health care, the projects have targeted more than 42 000 people, including internally displaced persons, women, children and people living with chronic illnesses. Strengthening emergency and trauma careFor people injured during conflicts or as a result of accidents, timely surgical care can mean the difference between life and death.With OCHA's support, WHO deployed and supported surgical teams in Al Bayda, Far' Al Udayn and Lawdar. Between August 2025 and February 2026, these teams conducted 864 surgical operations, well above the original target of 462 lifesaving procedures.At Al-Thawrah Hospital in Al Bayda, surgical teams performed 461 operations. At Al-Mazhan Hospital in Far' Al Udayn they performed 173 operations, while 230 operations were completed at Mahnf Hospital in Lawdar.In addition, the provision of essential emergency and trauma medicines and medical supplies to key health facilities has helped frontline health workers provide lifesaving treatment to patients in need.Enhancing outbreak detection and disease responseYemen continues to face recurrent outbreaks of cholera, measles and other communicable diseases. To strengthen preparedness and response capacities, WHO supplied essential communicable disease medicines, oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids and rapid response team (RRT) kits to 4 health facilities serving high-risk communities, and supported 207 RRT field missions, surpassing the original target of 166.The deployments enabled health teams to investigate suspected outbreaks, conduct disease surveillance, trace contacts and support timely containment measures during cholera and measles outbreaks.By strengthening disease detection and response systems, the interventions reduced the risk of wider transmission among vulnerable populations.Protecting mothers and childrenMaternal and child health services are among Yemen’s most pressing health care needs. Through support to Al-Thawrah General Hospital in Al Bayda and Al-Mazhan Rural Hospital in Far' Al Udayn, WHO provided essential medicines, medical supplies and operational support to sustain maternal and child health care services. As a result, health facilities were able to perform:14 316 gynaecological and obstetric consultations;4652 antenatal care consultations;12 081 paediatric consultations; and2693 skilled birth-attended deliveries, including normal deliveries and caesarean sections.No maternal deaths were recorded in the supported facilities during the reporting period.For thousands of women and children, these services have helped ensure safer pregnancies, safer births and improved access to quality health care.Supporting people living with chronic diseasesFor patients living with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions, interruptions in treatment can have serious consequences. To avoid this, WHO procured and distributed essential medicines for noncommunicable diseases to 4 targeted health facilities across Al Bayda, Al Husha, Far' Al Udayn and Lawdar.The intervention enabled 5233 people to access essential NCD treatment and helped health facilities maintain uninterrupted chronic disease services, reducing the risk of complications and preventable illness.A partnership that saves livesThe interventions demonstrate how targeted humanitarian investments can strengthen health services and save lives in some of Yemen's most vulnerable communities."At a time when millions of people in Yemen continue to face immense health challenges, the support provided by OCHA through the Yemen Humanitarian Fund has been instrumental in ensuring that vulnerable communities can access lifesaving health services," said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain."Through this partnership, WHO has been able to strengthen emergency and trauma care, support outbreak response, sustain maternal and child health services and ensure continuity of care for people living with chronic diseases. We sincerely thank OCHA and the Yemen Humanitarian Fund for their commitment to protecting health and saving lives across Yemen."As humanitarian needs continue to grow, sustained support from humanitarian partners is essential to ensure that vulnerable communities across Yemen can access the health care services they urgently need.

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Press Release

19 July 2026

WHO Yemen: Steering Committee validates Yemen’s National Health Strategy 2026–2030, paving the way for implementation

16 July 2026, Aden, Yemen The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, convened a Steering Committee meeting to validate the Yemen National Health Strategy (NHS) 2026–2030, marking a milestone towards its official adoption and implementation. Committee members met to review the Strategy's development process, discuss implementation arrangements and agree on priorities for the next phase, reinforcing national ownership and coordinated action across the health sector. The NHS was developed through an evidence-informed consultative process led by MoPHP, with technical support from WHO and the University of Geneva. It provides a unified national framework to strengthen health system resilience and respond to Yemen's evolving health needs in the context of prolonged crisis, limited resources and unequal access to health services.The Steering Committee reviewed the final draft of the Strategy, confirming that it reflects the findings of the national situational analysis and extensive stakeholder consultations. Members validated the Strategy's vision, strategic direction, objectives and interventions, and implementation arrangements and proposed next steps towards nationwide implementation. The meeting also reached agreement on the actions required before the Strategy's official publication and launch, including final revisions, dissemination and preparations for implementation across the country."The validation of the National Health Strategy 2026–2030 represents an important milestone towards strengthening Yemen's health system. It reflects a shared commitment to national leadership, stronger partnerships and a resilient health system capable of delivering quality essential health services to all Yemenis. WHO remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Public Health and Population and partners throughout the implementation of this strategy," said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain. Throughout the development of the National Health Strategy, WHO worked closely with United Nations partners, including UNFPA and UNICEF. WHO also acknowledges with appreciation the World Bank for its financial support, as well as the Universal Health Partnership (UHP), whose catalytic funding is provided through contributions from Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.WHO will continue working closely with the MoPHP, national institutions and development partners to support implementation of the NHS and advance resilient, equitable and people-centred health services across Yemen.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 July 2026

UNFPA Yemen: World Population Day: "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future."

Yemen, 11 July 2026Today, on World Population Day, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, calls for urgent investments in young people in Yemen and around the world. A new report by UNFPA, Lives, Choices and Futures, launched on 7 July, draws on the 2025-2026 Demographic Futures Survey—one of the most geographically diverse bodies of evidence on how young adults navigate relationships, parenthood, and the future in an uncertain world.Through the voices of over 108,000 internet-connected people aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries, the report shows that many young people continue to value partnership and parenthood, but the conditions to realize these aspirations often feel out of reach.Key findings include:Around 90 per cent of young adults surveyed rated economic security and being fit and healthy as important life goals.Financial security is the highest-rated consideration for partnership formation.Economic and housing constraints are the most commonly reported barriers to partnership.Two-thirds of respondents reported feeling somewhat or very positive about the future.Eight in ten respondents rated the joy and happiness that children bring as an important reason for having children—the highest-rated motivation for parenthood.The report's findings resonate powerfully in Yemen, where nearly 70 per cent of the population is under 30 years. Yet more than a decade of conflict has left young people with severely limited access to education, employment, and the basic conditions to contribute to their communities."Yemen's youth represent immense potential for innovation and growth, but potential alone is not enough. When we invest in young people's choices, we invest in Yemen's future," said Francesco Galtieri, UNFPA Representative in Yemen.In Yemen, UNFPA is helping to harness the potential of young people by supporting youth-friendly health centers, ensuring access to reproductive health services, and promoting young people's leadership and participation in community resilience and social cohesion efforts.As echoed by the UN Secretary-General in his World Population Day message, young people's determination must be matched with greater investment in education, healthcare, and decent work. All young people deserve the freedom, opportunity, and support to shape their own lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.###Resources:UNFPA: “Lives, Choices and Futures: What young people want and what shapes their decisions about relationships and parenthood,” - Findings from the Demographic Futures Survey. UN Secretary-General on the occasion of World Population Day: StatementUN Department of Economic and Social Affairs: World Population Highlights 2026: YouthUNFPA: State of World Population report 2025UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs: World Fertility Report 2024. For more information, please contact:Taha Yaseen Communication Specialist Phone: +967 712 224090; yaseen@unfpa.orgAbout UNFPA:UNFPA is the United Nations Population Fund, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries and territories. It reaches millions of women, girls and young people with essential health services and protection from violence. It also helps governments plan for changing population needs so people can thrive today and in the future.

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Press Release

24 June 2026

UNOPS Yemen: Handing over the rehabilitated Aden Intra-Urban Road

Aden, 24 June 2026 – The Government of Japan, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, and UNOPS marked the completion of “The Project for Rehabilitation of Aden Intra-Urban Roads,” which rehabilitated 2.4 km of intra-urban road in central Aden. Funded by the Government of Japan, the project has improved the connectivity between the Port of Aden, the largest gateway to south of Yemen, and neighboring governorates. The rehabilitated intra urban road enhances access to over 560 critical services facilities such as schools, hospitals, public utilities and commercial facilities supporting mobility, service delivery and economic activity. The Minister of Public Works and Highways, Engineer Hussein Al-Aqrabi, emphasized that the project represents a significant addition to the road network in Aden and will help improve traffic flow, facilitate citizens’ mobility and reduce traffic congestion. He stressed the importance of continuing international partnerships to support vital infrastructure projects, expressing his appreciation to the contribution provided by the Government of Japan.His Excellency Yoichi Nakashima, the Ambassador of Japan to Yemen, said ”It is my great pleasure to announce the completion of the roads rehabilitation project in Aden in collaboration with UNOPS. These new roads will facilitate people’s access to schools and hospitals and they will strengthen the economic activities in and outside Aden. We wish the Yemeni people all the best.”“I am honored to witness another successful project supporting humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Yemen with our long-standing partner, the government of Japan. This project enhances the accessibility to the Port of Aden that will further enhance the resilience of communities in the city as well as adjacent governorates affected by the crisis. UNOPS remains committed to continue supporting the people of Yemen with our partners.” stated Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman.Yemen has suffered from years of conflict which caused widespread damage to infrastructure, economy, as well as lives of the population. More frequent and intensified heavy rains and floods that repeatedly hit Yemen in recent years further exacerbated the worsening humanitarian situation. The project contributes to enhancing connectivity and ensuring smooth transportation of goods and services to neighboring communities and governorates and to SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.- END -About UNOPS: UNOPS helps the UN and its partners provide peace and security, humanitarian and development solutions. The organization’s mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS services cover infrastructure, project management, procurement, financial management and human resources. Partners call on UNOPS to supplement their own capacities, improve speed, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness and increase quality.UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman covers 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 or +962 6 5902122

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Press Release

10 June 2026

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – Two years of detention of UN and other personnel in Yemen

The Secretary-General reiterates his condemnation of the arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions by the Houthi de facto authorities in June 2024. He also again condemns the arbitrary detention of UN personnel in 2025, 2023, and 2021 and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.Seventy-three United Nations personnel remain arbitrarily detained. One United Nations colleague has died in detention. Some colleagues are being held incommunicado. These actions violate international law, cause deep suffering to families, and have severely constrained the ability of the United Nations and its partners to assist millions of people in need across Yemen.United Nations personnel, including those who are nationals of Yemen, are immune from legal process in respect of all acts performed by them in their official capacity. The Secretary-General underscores the importance of continued dialogue and engagement with the Houthi de facto authorities to secure the release of detained personnel and enable the resumption of humanitarian and development activities.The United Nations will continue to pursue all possible avenues to secure the immediate and safe release of those detained. The Secretary-General stands in solidarity with them and their families and reiterates that humanitarian workers should never be targeted or detained for carrying out their vital work.The Secretary-General remains steadfast in the United Nations’ commitment to support the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-GeneralNew York, 10 June 2026

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