UNCT Annual Report 2020

The prolonged conflict in Yemen has decimated the economy, destroyed critical infrastructure, and has resulted in food insecurity verging on famine. It is estimated that around 24 million people need some form of assistance and around 14.4 million are in acute need. The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilian life, public institutions, and infrastructure. In 2020, humanitarian and development needs further increased due to the emergence of COVID-19 and natural disasters such as heavy rains, flooding, and a desert locust infestation. Several projects were redirected to ensure access to medicines, health, and essential services following the outbreak of the global COVID19 pandemic. The UN in Yemen scaled up its emergency response and rural resilience building interventions to mitigate the impacts of the crisis and COVID-19 on households and communities, reaching all 22 governorates and 95% of the 333 districts in Yemen.