UNICEF Yemen: Germany supports UNICEF to reduce stunting and improve child nutrition in Yemen

Aden, 13 January 2026 

At a time when Yemen’s nutrition crisis continues to threaten the survival, growth and development of millions of children, the Government of Germany, through KfW Development Bank, has contributed 15 million euros to UNICEF as a second phase to support a three-year initiative aimed at preventing undernutrition and improving nutrition outcomes for vulnerable children, women and adolescents in Yemen.

Through this project, “Strengthening Preventative Nutrition Action to Contribute to Reducing Undernutrition in Yemen,” UNICEF will focus on ensuring that children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and adolescent girls have access to quality diets, essential nutrition services, and the knowledge and behaviors needed to lead healthy lives.

The project will be implemented in 21 districts across four governorates – Aden, Lahj, Marib and Taiz. It will deliver a comprehensive package of interventions, including nutrition-sensitive ‘Cash Plus’ assistance to 2,000 vulnerable households, the distribution of essential nutrition and early childhood development supplies, and the expansion of adolescent nutrition programmes in 303 secondary schools.

To strengthen frontline services, the initiative will support the minor rehabilitation and maintenance of 61 health facilities, ensuring improved readiness and quality of maternal, newborn and child nutrition services. More than 3,200 community health cadres and 780 health workers will also be trained on maternal and child nutrition, reinforcing community-based prevention and early action.

“This generous contribution from the Government of Germany reflects a strong commitment to protecting children and women in Yemen before malnutrition takes hold,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Yemen. “Through investing in preventive nutrition, cash assistance and stronger health services, we can reduce the long-term impact of undernutrition and give children a healthier start in life.”

Overall, the project is expected to reach 1,349,479 direct beneficiaries, including 615,905 children under five, 287,203 pregnant and breastfeeding women, 442,565 adolescent girls, and 3,806 health and community workers.

UNICEF will implement the project in close coordination with national and local authorities, health partners and communities, ensuring alignment with national nutrition priorities and a strong focus on sustainability and resilience.

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About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/yemen. 

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For more information, please contact:

Ali Qasim, aqasimali@unicef.org, +967-776959018