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The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Publication
19 April 2023
UN YEMEN COUNTRY RESULTS REPORT 2022
Yemen has been embroiled in an eight-yearlong armed conflict that has resulted in increased economic turmoil, human displacement, infrastructure damage, and widespread suffering.
By the end of the year, more than two-thirds of Yemen’s population (21.6 million people, including 12.9 million children) required humanitarian assistance, whilst an estimated 4.5 million people, including 2 million children - 14% of the population, were internally displaced.
The conflict has divided the country, exacerbated poverty, crippled the economy, destroyed critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and weakened the population’s and institutions’ resilience and capacities. More than USD 25 billion would be required for recovery and reconstruction.
The governance system is weak and fragmented, with tense central-subnational relations and competing policies. Political bureaucracy and interference by conflict parties hampered UN operations on the ground, causing costly delays, increasing the risk of security threats to staff and implementing partners, and limiting female staff mobility.
Citizens’ trust in institutions was eroded, resulting in macroeconomic instability and suboptimal service delivery, which exacerbated the conditions of the most vulnerable groups.
The crisis has had a particularly negative impact on progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with both humanitarian and development needs increasing, making it difficult to prioritise programming strategies and secure critical funds. Yemen is ranked 183 out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index with a score of 0.455 in 2021/2022.
By the end of the year, more than two-thirds of Yemen’s population (21.6 million people, including 12.9 million children) required humanitarian assistance, whilst an estimated 4.5 million people, including 2 million children - 14% of the population, were internally displaced.
The conflict has divided the country, exacerbated poverty, crippled the economy, destroyed critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and weakened the population’s and institutions’ resilience and capacities. More than USD 25 billion would be required for recovery and reconstruction.
The governance system is weak and fragmented, with tense central-subnational relations and competing policies. Political bureaucracy and interference by conflict parties hampered UN operations on the ground, causing costly delays, increasing the risk of security threats to staff and implementing partners, and limiting female staff mobility.
Citizens’ trust in institutions was eroded, resulting in macroeconomic instability and suboptimal service delivery, which exacerbated the conditions of the most vulnerable groups.
The crisis has had a particularly negative impact on progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with both humanitarian and development needs increasing, making it difficult to prioritise programming strategies and secure critical funds. Yemen is ranked 183 out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index with a score of 0.455 in 2021/2022.
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Press Release
26 May 2023
Joint News Release: Conflict and economic crisis drive food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen
In a new Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) analysis on Yemen released today, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that, despite the slight improvements, nearly all districts under the control of the GoY were assessed to be facing high levels of food insecurity.
Yemen remains one of the most food insecure countries globally, mainly driven by the impact of conflict and economic decline, the three UN agencies added.
The report shows that Yemen continues to require attention, with hunger stalking millions of people and the situation could worsen if nothing is done to address the key drivers of food insecurity in the Middle Eastern country.
Despite modest improvements, second half of 2023 needs more investment
Today’s report showed that between January and May 2023, about 3.2 million people experienced high levels of acute food insecurity in the GoY areas, and these are classified in severe food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above), representing a 23 percent reduction from the October – December 2022 estimates.
Additionally, the number of people in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) almost halved to 781,000 compared to the estimates for the last quarter of 2022.
The three UN agencies warned that these modest improvements were only a ‘temporary reprieve’ as the key drivers of food insecurity remain and are projected to worsen during the period June to December 2023.
The IPC report projected a 20 percent increase in the number of people facing IPC Phase 3 and above (638,500 additional people) during the June to December period. The number of people likely to experience high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or worse) is estimated to increase to 3.9 million (41 percent), out of which 2.8 million people are estimated to be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and 1.1 million in Emergency (IPC Phase 4).
The situation is likely to be compounded by a 20 percent decrease in humanitarian food assistance levels and the anticipated increase in food prices. While there has been a relative calm, sporadic fighting may continue in the frontline districts which further impacts food security.
Children and pregnant and lactating mothers facing acute malnutrition
As acute malnutrition continues to worsen in southern governorates, it is estimated that in 2023, half a million children will be acutely malnourished, including nearly 100,000 children who are likely to be severely malnourished. It is also estimated that up to a quarter million pregnant and lactating women (PLW) will be acutely malnourished, while child stunting levels are also very high, ranging from 35.9 percent in Abyan Lowland to 64.3 percent in Hodeida Southern Lowland.
Critical situations of acute malnutrition (IPC AMN Phase 4) persist in some parts of the southern areas. The area-level classification is expected to deteriorate further during the projection period for acute malnutrition with all 16 zones of southern governorates being classified in IPC AMN phases 3 (Serious) and above, including seven zones in IPC AMN Phase 4 (Critical).
David Gressly, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, said: “The United Nations and its partners made strides in rolling back the worst food insecurity last year, but these gains remain fragile and 17 million people are still food insecure in Yemen. We thank generous donors for commitments made so far but need further support to reach the level of funding received last year to sustain an integrated humanitarian response. With adequate resources, we will reach millions of Yemenis with critical food and nutrition support, clean water, basic health care, protection and other necessities, while building people’s resilience and preparing communities across the country to withstand future shocks.”
“FAO is seized with this situation, and we are working directly with farmers on the ground to enable them to maintain their livelihoods. We make sure that smallholder farmers in Yemen will withstand any shocks which impact food security. As such, our focus, through various interventions, is to improve household food security and income by strengthening agricultural production practices, increasing labour opportunities, and diversifying livelihoods in a sustainable way that fosters peaceful coexistence,” said FAO Yemen Representative, Dr. Hussein Gadain.
UNICEF and partners reached about 420,000 children suffering from severe and acute malnutrition with lifesaving interventions in 2022., This is the highest ever reached in Yemen, thanks to the scale up of nutrition services in 4700 PHC facilities. Despite this, malnutrition levels remain critical in many areas of the Southern Governorates. A multi sectoral approach to address all forms of malnutrition is essential and together with partners UNICEF is strengthening the provision of primary health care, including early detection and treatment of severe acute malnutrition”, said UNICEF Yemen Representative, Peter Hawkins.
“WFP’s assistance is critical for getting people to firmer ground, for averting crisis and famine, for a better future, and we urge our donors to renew their commitment to supporting the most vulnerable Yemenis. Yemen's food insecurity situation remains fragile, and the hard-won gains of the past 12 months will be lost without continued and urgent support from our donors. There are women, men and children behind these IPC statistics, whose lives straddle the fine line between hope and utter devastation. We simply cannot take our foot off the gas now,” said WFP Country Director, Richard Ragan.
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Notes for editors:
About FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 members, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
About UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund 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.
About WFP: The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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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.
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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Story
19 April 2024
UNOPS YEMEN: FINDING LIGHT AMID YEMEN’S DARKEST TIMES
Well into its fifth year of conflict, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to worsen. In mid-2020, around 24 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance – representing 80 per cent of the population. Over 3.5 million people have been displaced from their homes while over 19 million people lack access to basic health services.
Throughout the country, the provision of public services, such as electricity, have come to a virtual standstill. Long-lasting power outages have crippled development efforts, wreaking havoc on other critical services such as education, water and sanitation, and healthcare. Today, with only 10 per cent of the country connected to the public electricity grid, a large majority of the population is deprived of reliable access to electricity.
Ibrahim Saleh, originally from the city of Taiz in southwestern Yemen, left his children behind and migrated north to the Wesab District in the Dhamar Governorate in search of work. “We suffered from a lot of things: the high prices, the embargo […] at night we struggled with darkness. There was no electricity,” describes Ibrahim. Ibrahim is just one of millions who lived in darkness as soon as the sun set. I used to leave home in the morning and return in the evening. I entered the room but it was too dark to see. It was part of our struggle […] We used to sleep, drink and eat in the dark.Ibrahim Saleh - A resident of Wesab District, Dhamar Governorate In an effort to relieve the ongoing crisis, UNOPS partnered with the World Bank to restore access to critical urban services in selected cities across Yemen. Restoring key services – including energy, water and sanitation, transportation and waste management – is critical to improving health, basic living conditions and local economic activity.
The two organizations are working with local implementing partners to provide off-grid solar electricity solutions for schools, hospitals, streets and households. “This [solar] project offered a radical solution to our electricity crisis, allowing us to offer quality services to women, as now the hospital is operational 24 hours,” says Dr. Chafih. “We can also perform major and regular cesarean sections.”
At home, solar panels and light installations helped ease Ibrahim immediately. “I felt secure and relieved. I could turn the light on and see what was around me […] I can read […] cook my dinner and eat comfortably,” he says. In addition to working with three local implementing partners, UNOPS is engaging with local authorities, institutions and communities to facilitate local ownership and promote sustainability. Citizens, especially women, have a voice in identifying projects. Decisions on the most pressing needs are made at the community level.
By restoring critical services while simultaneously rebuilding local capacity, up to 1.4 million Yemenis are expected to benefit from improved services and living conditions.“We are proud to support the World Bank to revitalize critical urban services in cities across Yemen and improve living conditions for people in need,” says Bana Kaloti, UNOPS Regional Director for the Middle East. Project detailsIn an effort to relieve the ongoing crisis, UNOPS, with funding from the World Bank, is working to restore access to critical services through two projects. The Yemen Integrated Urban Services Emergency ProjectFinanced by a $150 million grant from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), UNOPS developed an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to service delivery to restore access to critical urban services in select cities across Yemen. The three-year project aims to restore access to critical urban services for 1.4 million beneficiaries. This includes providing solar power solutions to more than 70 health facilities, 80 schools and 100 water facilities; rehabilitating 400 kilometres of roads; installing and operating LED street lights; and improving waste management services. The project will create 1.5 million days of temporary employment. As part of the COVID-19 emergency response components added to both projects, the Yemen Integrated Urban Services Emergency Project quickly facilitated the delivery of equipment, tools, infrastructure and personal protective equipment to support Yemen’s fight against COVID-19.The Yemen Emergency Electricity Access ProjectWith a $50 million grant from the IDA, UNOPS is working to restore electricity supply to 1.3 million Yemenis, including 200,000 households, 220 health facilities, 280 schools and 40 potable water wells.The three-year project will finance distributed solar solutions to provide urgently needed access to electricity in rural and peri-urban areas in Yemen. The project is implemented in collaboration with the local private sector, including microfinance institutions, and solar equipment suppliers and installers. Implemented in collaboration with other UN agencies as part of a broader coordinated COVID-19 response in Yemen, the Contingency Emergency Response Component was added to the project in mid-2020 to help fast-track access to electricity, so essential lifesaving services can continue. For more information on our projects in Yemen, please visit https://ye.unopsmr.org/
Throughout the country, the provision of public services, such as electricity, have come to a virtual standstill. Long-lasting power outages have crippled development efforts, wreaking havoc on other critical services such as education, water and sanitation, and healthcare. Today, with only 10 per cent of the country connected to the public electricity grid, a large majority of the population is deprived of reliable access to electricity.
Ibrahim Saleh, originally from the city of Taiz in southwestern Yemen, left his children behind and migrated north to the Wesab District in the Dhamar Governorate in search of work. “We suffered from a lot of things: the high prices, the embargo […] at night we struggled with darkness. There was no electricity,” describes Ibrahim. Ibrahim is just one of millions who lived in darkness as soon as the sun set. I used to leave home in the morning and return in the evening. I entered the room but it was too dark to see. It was part of our struggle […] We used to sleep, drink and eat in the dark.Ibrahim Saleh - A resident of Wesab District, Dhamar Governorate In an effort to relieve the ongoing crisis, UNOPS partnered with the World Bank to restore access to critical urban services in selected cities across Yemen. Restoring key services – including energy, water and sanitation, transportation and waste management – is critical to improving health, basic living conditions and local economic activity.
The two organizations are working with local implementing partners to provide off-grid solar electricity solutions for schools, hospitals, streets and households. “This [solar] project offered a radical solution to our electricity crisis, allowing us to offer quality services to women, as now the hospital is operational 24 hours,” says Dr. Chafih. “We can also perform major and regular cesarean sections.”
At home, solar panels and light installations helped ease Ibrahim immediately. “I felt secure and relieved. I could turn the light on and see what was around me […] I can read […] cook my dinner and eat comfortably,” he says. In addition to working with three local implementing partners, UNOPS is engaging with local authorities, institutions and communities to facilitate local ownership and promote sustainability. Citizens, especially women, have a voice in identifying projects. Decisions on the most pressing needs are made at the community level.
By restoring critical services while simultaneously rebuilding local capacity, up to 1.4 million Yemenis are expected to benefit from improved services and living conditions.“We are proud to support the World Bank to revitalize critical urban services in cities across Yemen and improve living conditions for people in need,” says Bana Kaloti, UNOPS Regional Director for the Middle East. Project detailsIn an effort to relieve the ongoing crisis, UNOPS, with funding from the World Bank, is working to restore access to critical services through two projects. The Yemen Integrated Urban Services Emergency ProjectFinanced by a $150 million grant from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), UNOPS developed an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to service delivery to restore access to critical urban services in select cities across Yemen. The three-year project aims to restore access to critical urban services for 1.4 million beneficiaries. This includes providing solar power solutions to more than 70 health facilities, 80 schools and 100 water facilities; rehabilitating 400 kilometres of roads; installing and operating LED street lights; and improving waste management services. The project will create 1.5 million days of temporary employment. As part of the COVID-19 emergency response components added to both projects, the Yemen Integrated Urban Services Emergency Project quickly facilitated the delivery of equipment, tools, infrastructure and personal protective equipment to support Yemen’s fight against COVID-19.The Yemen Emergency Electricity Access ProjectWith a $50 million grant from the IDA, UNOPS is working to restore electricity supply to 1.3 million Yemenis, including 200,000 households, 220 health facilities, 280 schools and 40 potable water wells.The three-year project will finance distributed solar solutions to provide urgently needed access to electricity in rural and peri-urban areas in Yemen. The project is implemented in collaboration with the local private sector, including microfinance institutions, and solar equipment suppliers and installers. Implemented in collaboration with other UN agencies as part of a broader coordinated COVID-19 response in Yemen, the Contingency Emergency Response Component was added to the project in mid-2020 to help fast-track access to electricity, so essential lifesaving services can continue. For more information on our projects in Yemen, please visit https://ye.unopsmr.org/
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Story
15 April 2024
UNDP Yemen: Water Resilience: Al Mazariqah's Journey from Devastation to Prosperity
The village of Al Mazariqah, situated in Bajel District, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen, provides a remarkable example of human resilience and the power of community. Recently, this farming neighborhood was severely impacted by frequent flooding and damage to an irrigation canal essential for watering crops. This drastically affected the village's ability to farm using traditional methods, leaving farmers in a desperate search for solutions to preserve their agricultural lands and maintain their way of life. "Last year hit us really hard," remembers Ibrahim Omar, a farmer from Al Mazariqah, who, along with his neighbors, was affected by the flooding. "What we worked for, our dreams vanished with the floods. It felt like we were always on the losing side." The damage was catastrophic, wiping out farms, tearing down trees, and ruining crops. To survive, the villagers built temporary canals, but these too were swept away by the next wave of flooding. Through the ERRY III Joint Programme, financed by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, facilitated through the World Food Programme's Food Assistance for Assets (FFA), alongside local organization Benaa Foundation, a comprehensive project to rejuvenate the village's irrigation canal was initiated. Three kilometers of the canal were identified for rehabilitation, with an aim to ensure the agricultural prosperity of Al Mazariqah. The Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) programme provides food or cash to participants in return for their work on projects like this one, which are designed to improve community infrastructure and support long-term food security. "We dedicated 60 days to the canal, working alongside community members," shares Ali Bin Ali, an FFA participant. “The work we did together was not just about restoring the canal but about rebuilding lives, providing immediate financial support, and securing long-term agricultural stability.”The project's success surpassed expectations. A new water gate now stands tall, regulating the water flow into a canal that has been both widened and deepened. Protective walls and paved sections ensure the canal's resilience, safeguarding nearby agricultural lands and the future of Al Mazariqah's farms. "The restoration has been a lifeline," says Ahmed Salem, a local farmer. "Where floods once brought ruin, we now see harvests." This sentiment echoes throughout the community, as local resident Ibrahim Omar reflects on a past filled with difficulty. "We suffered a lot," Ibrahim shares. With the canal's restoration, a new chapter of growth and resilience has begun. "Now, our crops thrive, and our children have hope," Ibrahim notes, highlighting a significant boost in crop production. Ibrahim's plans to further enlarge and enhance the canal reflect a collective renewal of faith in communal agricultural practices.As Ibrahim looks out over his thriving fields, he sees more than just sorghum and corn; he sees a future where water is no longer a source of fear but a foundation for growth. "This canal is our promise to the future," he declares, a promise made possible by a community united against adversity. The successful restoration of Al Mazariqah’s irrigation system not only underscores the tangible benefits of cooperation but also highlights the community’s resilience, setting a vibrant example of how joint efforts can rebuild and enrich communities facing adversity. The ERRY III Joint Programme, through efforts by the United Nations Development Programme, World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and International Labor Organization, with support from the European Union and Government of Sweden, demonstrates the impact of collective action towards improving livelihoods, ensuring food security, and strengthening community resilience in Yemen.
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12 April 2024
WHO Yemen: Children of Yemen caught up in agony of displacement and malnutrition
A couple of years back, a house full of life and warmth dissolved into ruins amid the conflict that was ongoing in Al Hudaydah governorate. With a heavy heart, Maisa describes the loss of her home to war: “I was once above the sky to finally have a home of my own with my little family, and now what we once had as our home turned into rubble, ripping away all the joy I once had.”The ongoing conflict in Yemen has inflicted devastating impacts on its people, especially children. The bombs stole not only Maisa’s roof, but also the joy of her family and the memories held in every corner of the house.Two years have passed since Maisa and her family had to flee to Marib from the clutches of the war in Al Hudaydah. Now Maisa lives with her husband and 2 children, along with her husband’s 3 sisters and their parents, in a camp for internally displaced people in Marib city. The family members are split between 2 tents and share a single bathroom. Living conditions are cramped in the overcrowded camp.Since Maisa’s family moved to Marib, her husband struggles to find consistent daily work and secure basic necessities. The conflict has crippled the country’s economy as well as its health system, and the family constantly worry about how they will afford their next meal. The deteriorating economic situation, a direct result of the conflict, has made food insecurity worse, causing millions to face the threat of starvation. As a result, levels of undernutrition, among children especially, are rising, leaving millions vulnerable to malnutrition and illness.“My husband works for daily wages,” Maisa explains, “but there’s no guarantee of work every day. The constant worry about our next meal is a heavy burden.”The conflict has unleashed immense suffering on the people of Yemen. Displacement adds yet more agony to families like Maisa’s who must endure extreme poverty, malnutrition and illness, coupled with the harsh conditions of living in a camp. Maisa’s 8-month-old son, Hassan, exemplifies this struggle.Hassan was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition after being referred to the WHO-supported therapeutic feeding centre (TFC) at Al Shahid Mohammed Hael Hospital, Marib. He struggles to sleep or breastfeed properly. This is not Hassan’s first battle with malnutrition; conditions in the camp have caused him to relapse. “My child has been frail from the moment he was born, and now his condition is improving, I just wish I could maintain the health of my child,” says Maisa. “I live in constant fear [of] losing him to malnutrition and disease.”WHO, along with the Central Emergency Response Fund, plays a critical role in supporting 23 TFCs across Yemen, providing essential medical supplies, laboratory supplies and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, and covering oxygen refilling costs. WHO also supports nearly 395 health workers with performance-based payments to maintain life-saving health and nutrition services. The health workers have gone beyond the provision of life-saving services provision to apply preventive measures too, in the form of both infant and young child feeding counselling, and mental health and psychosocial support.These 23 TFCs provide all their services free of charge, while consistently meeting the quality standard of life-saving health and nutrition services. This ensures access to life-saving treatment for thousands of children like Hassan. With the WHO support, the centres have so far treated about 8774 severely malnourished children aged under 5 years. Nearly 97% of these children have recovered and been referred to the outpatient therapeutic feeding programme for follow-up.“I could have lost him if it wasn’t for the free-of-charge treatment here ¬– for that, I’m very grateful for WHO for saving my child,” says Maisa, of Hassan. “I wish that my children remain healthy and have regular meals. Every mother wishes to be able to save her children from agony and turn their suffering into happiness.”*Note: The beneficiary is in a hard-to-reach location, and was only accessible via phone. The images used are expressive and are not related to the person or location mentioned.
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11 April 2024
UNICEF Yemen: Bridging the Gap and Empowering Female Healthcare Workers in Lahj, Yemen
As the health system in Yemen remains on the brink of collapse, UNICEF is strengthening community health services by empowering 50 community health workers in Lahj Governorate through a series of trainings. The female community workers are now equipped with knowledge and skills on vaccine-preventable childhood diseases, health education, coronavirus prevention, as well as care for mothers and newborns to serve as the initial point of contact for people seeking routine medical services and preventive care."I joined the training to provide services to the community. Many residents, especially those from remote villages, struggle to reach the health centre due to the difficult terrain and their economic situation,” says Lamia Ali Muhammad Al-Qubati, a 28-year-old dental assistant, who participated in the training programme. Following the training, the health workers were deployed to conduct awareness raising campaigns to counter vaccine hesitancy and misinformation to promote the prevention of infectious diseases and ensure proper monitoring.“While we occasionally faced rejection from some in the community, our commitment to providing free awareness and care has yielded positive results. Awareness has increased, people are actively seeking vaccination, and I am dedicated to sharing my new-found knowledge with my community,” said Lamia. Ibtisam Ahmed Al-Musali, a 38-year-old director of the Health Education and Media Department and a trainer in the community health worker programme said, “The trainees are health workers from various districts within Lahj Governorate, and COVID-19 is a core component of their comprehensive training curriculum. When this epidemic spread, the whole world panicked with fear and uncertainty. However, the development and deployment of vaccines brought a sense of reassurance, in addition to awareness and knowledge of preventative measures.” “The training will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the society,” she added. In addition to infection prevention and control (IPC) and the delivery of high-quality healthcare, the comprehensive training programme covered a wide range of topics, including addressing malnutrition endemic among Yemeni women, reproductive health concerns, public awareness and community mobilization strategies, hygiene practices, and in-depth immunization lectures.Along with the community outreach services by the trained health workers, the UNICEF initiative is also strengthening healthcare services at health facilities at a time when 17.8 million people are requiring health assistance yet only half of all health facilities in the country are either fully or partially functional, according to UN data. Akram Awad Al-Amoudi, a 49-year-old carpenter from Al Hawtah, a regular patient at Ibn Khaldoon hospital in Lahj was seeking treatment for an enlarged heart at the facility.“The medical staff is excellent, the cleanliness is impressive, and I received the COVID-19 vaccine to protect myself at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Al-Amoudi, adding that he found the awareness services related to COVID-19 prevention, the role of vaccination and personal hygiene particularly crucial.Many residents have benefited from UNICEF’s Minimum Service Package provided to primary health centres, through its role in improving the medical supply chain, outreach staff support, and integrative supervision. Among the frequent visitors of Ibn Khaldoon hospital is Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim, who accompanied his brother, Ayesh, to receive treatment for heart disease and chest fluids at the hospital for some time.Mahmoud says: “I came with my brother, Ayesh because he suffers from shortness of breath. This hospital provides many services, such as examinations, scouting, and medications.”Mahmoud also visited the hospital during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. He received the vaccine and gained awareness about the seriousness of epidemics, and the importance of hygiene in preventing the coronavirus as well as other deadly diseases.“COVID-19 is fatal if it is not prevented, and we have realized the importance of vaccination even though our region does not have many infections. Community workers came to educate us about the importance of hygiene and the need to take the vaccine.” Mahmoud added. In a bid to constantly ensure community care, UNICEF with funding from the Global Affairs Canada continues to empower female community health workers and is collaborating with partners to address the healthcare challenges in Yemen. This initiative not only improves access to vital services but also empowers communities to take charge of their well-being and build a healthier future.
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11 April 2024
FAO Yemen: Fighting Animal Diseases in Yemen
“I feel a deep sense of pride when I see the respect and appreciation of my chosen profession reflected in people's eyes,” says 48‑year‑old Tariq Al-Haidari. “I have achieved many successes within the profession, and it fills me with a great sense of accomplishment.”Tariq is one of 200 community animal health workers who was trained under a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the World Bank. He now uses his recently acquired knowledge and skills to assist livestock breeders in keeping their animals healthy.Over 30 days, FAO trained community animal health workers in both theoretical practical matters. The practical training, undertaken through visits to farms in the Shabwah governorate, covered topics such as occupational and personal safety, diagnosis and identification of appropriate treatments, animal husbandry practices, administration of medicine and documentation of cases.“This training equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to help farmers keep their livestock healthy,” says Tariq.“I can identify the most common illnesses and provide basic treatments accordingly. I am also able to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination so that livestock breeders will prevent diseases. I also oversee the process of breeding sheep and goats and refer more complex diseases to the veterinary department of the governorate,” he adds.An essential safety netIn Yemen, livestock breeding is vital for the food security, livelihoods and incomes of many families in rural and peri-urban areas. Since 2015, the armed conflict has disrupted access to efficient and reliable veterinary services. Disease outbreaks have also become more severe and frequent, increasing the vulnerability of households that depend on livestock for income and food.Hussein Gadain, the FAO Representative in Yemen, states that the FAO training empowers rural communities to play a significant role in keeping livestock healthy and productive during shocks. He adds that livestock contributes an estimated 20 percent to the agricultural gross domestic product and an estimated 80 percent of farms have livestock.“Livestock is not only critical as a source of food and nutrition, but also as a valuable asset, serving as a store of wealth that may be used as collateral for credit and is an essential safety net during times of crisis,” says Gadain.“The training of community animal health workers is fundamental for the livestock sector as it offers an important alternative to deliver animal health services given the near collapse of veterinary services as a result of the conflict in Yemen,” he explains. Serious businessCommunity animal health workers like Tariq play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable livestock-dependent households by reducing livestock mortality and boosting productivity. Yet, until recently, many people in the community did not give much thought or value to the importance of animal health."I faced numerous challenges, such as the general lack of interest in this profession within society and the stigma associated with individuals working in this field. There are people who poke fun at us saying we are working with animals and not human beings,” he says.“In the past, the livestock breeders did not take the treating of animals seriously. They thought that animals could not be treated. However, of late, they have realised that treating animals is beneficial, and this increase in people's awareness of these benefits has led many of them to come to me seeking guidance,” adds Tariq.Tariq says he has become the first port of call for livestock breeders whenever an animal is not well.“If I am nearby, they will come to me; and if I cannot go to them, they will reach me on my phone,” he explains.Tariq worked with livestock breeders for close to ten years before he became a community animal health worker, which is why he understands the importance of goats and sheep to the farmers and the pain that comes with the death of an animal.“It is tragic for someone to raise and invest in an animal for two years and then wake up one morning to find it dead. As such, I always tell livestock breeders that animals can also be affected by diseases and they should be vaccinated, kept healthy and be well fed,” he adds. Work satisfactionTariq finds his work rewarding because he has gained respect and is appreciated by the farmers with whom he works. This is what gives him satisfaction, he says.“When it comes to income, I do not see my work merely as a means to earn money. I take my work as a noble contribution to others,” he relates.As front-line staff, community animal health workers provide timely surveillance and report disease situations in remote areas of Yemen. The vaccinations they administered reduced the incidence of diseases and improved livestock production and productivity. In addition, because of this improved access to veterinary services, FAO‑supported livestock owners have reported increased survival rates of their animals.It is community animal health workers like Tariq who have become central to fighting and managing the recent surge in animal disease outbreaks in Yemen. Their immense contribution to animal health, good husbandry practices and proper animal production has been critical in filling gaps in veterinary services left by the conflict. Learn moreWebsite: FAO country profile: YemenWebsite: FAO emergencies & resilience: Animal Health
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Press Release
07 April 2024
WHO Yemen: The right to health: WHO works to bridge health divide in Yemen
All people have the right to health. And no matter where they live, they should be able to access and afford quality health care when they need it. The prolonged conflict in Yemen has left half of the population in need of health aid .Vulnerable groups continue to bear the brunt of the crisis. Such groups include internally displaced people, children, women, elderly people, people with disabilities and mental health conditions, marginalized communities, and people affected by conflict-related injuries.“The challenges that people in Yemen have to face cannot be described. Children who are referred to nutrition wards are only there because of prolonged starvation. The health system is fragile and faces difficulty in meeting the increasing demands,” said Dr Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen. “I feel for all the parents and caregivers who have to see their children getting ill in front of their eyes.”Yemen faces a double burden of disease and armed conflict, and 17.8 million people in the country require health assistance. Of this number, 24% are women, who need access to diverse medical and reproductive health services. Children account for 50% of those in need, including 540 000 children aged under 5 years who require life-saving treatment for severe wasting – 10% of whom have severe acute malnutrition with medical complications and need highly specialized inpatient care. Inequalities are revealed in the high levels of malnutrition among mothers and children. Undernutrition remains a major public health crisis .The multihazard risk profile for Yemen, the development of which WHO has supported, identifies 6 priority hazards with a high likelihood and potentially high public health impact: armed conflict, cholera, dengue, floods and cyclones, malaria and measles.As the world marks the 76th World Health Day, WHO continues to support the health authorities to address the gaps, all the while working to strengthen the health system amid the conflict.Through strong partnerships in 2023, WHO supported 245 health facilities to remain functional, providing 6.4 million outpatient consultations and reaching about 2.5 million people. Some 1.2 million children aged under 5 years were vaccinated against polio and another 1.1 million children (aged 6 months–4 years) were vaccinated against measles.In addition, 4000 tonnes of medicines, equipment, medical furniture, information technology devices and other health technologies worth US$ 42.63 million in total were distributed to 470 health facilities across Yemen.“Every number reflects a positive impact on people’s lives. These are men, women and children who were provided with life-saving services and were not turned away,” said Dr Pesigan. “A multisectoral approach is needed today to promote health and well-being while addressing determinants of health and risk factors. But if this is not combined with peace, true development may be difficult to achieve. Through peace, Yemen can start to heal.”Media contactsWHO Yemen Communications
Email: mediayemen@who.intAbout WHOSince 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Email: mediayemen@who.intAbout WHOSince 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
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Press Release
07 April 2024
Six months on, the war in Gaza is a betrayal of humanity
(New York, 6 April 2024) We have arrived at a terrible milestone. For the people of Gaza, the past six months of war have brought death, devastation and now the immediate prospect of a shameful man-made famine. For the people affected by the lasting horror of the 7 October attacks, it has been six months of grief and torment. Each day, this war claims more civilian victims. Every second that it continues sows the seeds of a future so deeply obscured by this relentless conflict. As I and many others have said repeatedly, the end of this war is so long overdue. Instead, we face the unconscionable prospect of further escalation in Gaza, where no one is safe and there is nowhere safe to go. An already fragile aid operation continues to be undermined by bombardments, insecurity and denials of access. Rarely has there been such global outrage at the toll of conflict, with seemingly so little done to end it and instead so much impunity. On this day, my heart goes out to the families of those killed, injured or taken hostage, and to those who face the particular suffering of not knowing the plight of their loved ones. It is not enough for six months of war to be a moment of remembrance and mourning – it must also spur a collective determination that there be a reckoning for this betrayal of humanity. Media contactS: In New York: Eri Kaneko, kaneko@un.org, +1 917 208 8910 OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int
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Press Release
04 April 2024
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MINE AWARENESS & ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION
Landmines and explosive ordnance and remnants of war directly threaten millions of people caught up in armed conflicts around the world — from Afghanistan to Myanmar to Sudan to Ukraine to Colombia to Gaza.Even after the fighting ends, these deadly devices can contaminate communities for decades to come, posing a daily and deadly danger to women, men and children alike, and blocking vital humanitarian and development assistance. The brave mine action personnel of the United Nations work with partners to remove these deadly weapons, ensure that people can travel safely in their communities, and provide education and threat assessments to keep people and humanitarian workers safe.This year’s theme — Protecting Lives, Building Peace — reminds us of the need to safeguard those at particular risk, including people living with disabilities. I also call on Member States to support the United Nations Mine Action Strategy, and ratify and fully implement the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Country by country, community by community, let’s rid the world of these weapons, once and for all.
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Press Release
05 April 2024
IOM Supports Vital Mass Polio Immunization Campaign in Yemen
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully concluded its participation in Yemen’s National Polio Campaign, led by the Ministry of Public Health and Population, thanks to the dedicated efforts of IOM-supported healthcare workers who administered vaccines to children across six governorates. This critical initiative aims to protect Yemeni children from the devastating impacts of polio amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the country. Targeting children under the age of 5, the campaign sought to bolster population immunity and curb the transmission of poliovirus type 2. In Yemen, where conflict, economic crisis, and limited public health infrastructure exacerbate health challenges, immunization is essential. Through the collaborative efforts of local authorities, healthcare workers, community volunteers, and partners, the national campaign successfully reached 1.2 million children in both host communities and sites for internally displaced persons. “In the face of Yemen’s ongoing crisis, the polio vaccination campaign represents a critical lifeline for children,” declared IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission in Yemen, Matt Huber. “Amidst the challenges of conflict and chronic funding shortages, ensuring access to vaccinations is paramount to protecting our youngest and most vulnerable population.” Throughout the campaign, 18 mobile medical teams (MMTs) and 80 community health volunteers (CHVs) engaged in extensive awareness-raising initiatives aimed to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation within communities. These efforts reached over 31,000 people across the governorates of Aden, Al Hodeidah, Lahj, Ma’rib, Shabwah, and Taiz. “As part of the vaccination team, I’m committed to raising awareness about polio and promoting vaccination to protect our children’s health,” explained Saeed, a CHV in Ma’rib. “We visit families door-to-door, informing them about the importance of immunization in preventing this disease. Our goal is to ensure everyone understands how crucial vaccination is for safeguarding the health of our children and future generations.” Yusra, a mother of four from a remote village in Ta’iz, first learned about polio when a CHV visited her home. Concerned for her children’s health, Yusra decided to vaccinate them after understanding the risks. “I never realized how vulnerable my children were,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the volunteers in disseminating vital health information. MMTs and CHVs play a pivotal role for families like Yusra’s in providing essential healthcare services in areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Through their efforts, they facilitate the provision of urgent medical care, referrals, and support, ultimately contributing to the overall health and well-being of displaced populations and host communities. Despite the daunting challenges posed by the conflict and humanitarian crisis, IOM remains committed to supporting public health initiatives in Yemen and advocates for access to essential healthcare services for those most vulnerable. IOM’s participation in Yemen’s National Polio Campaign was made possible thanks to the support of EU Humanitarian Aid, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the Government of Japan, Yemen Humanitarian Fund, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information, please contact: Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer, mchiriac@iom.int IOM Yemen’s Communications Team, iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int
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Press Release
04 April 2024
WHO Yemen: Yemen launches a Pandemic Fund project to protect the most vulnerable communities from epidemic disease threats
To better protect one of the most vulnerable populations in the world from pandemic threats, Yemen has today launched the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project (PPRP).The virtual launch event was complemented by satellite in-person events in Aden and Sana’a, Republic of Yemen; Amman, Jordan; and Washington, D.C., United States of America. The event was attended by His Excellency Dr Qasem Buhaibeh, Minister of Public Health and Population; His Excellency Major General Salem Abdullah Al Soqatri, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries; and Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund Secretariat.Also present were representatives of the PPRP implementing agencies: the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank. Senior government officials, Health Cluster partners, and members of civil society and the public also joined the event.The new PPRP will run for 3 years. Its goal is to protect and improve the health and well-being of Yemen’s people, livestock and ecosystems by strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to endemic and pandemic threats.This goal will be achieved by pursuing the following 4 objectives:Reinforce disease prevention, early warning, surveillance, detection and response capabilities through a One Health approach and at points of entry. Improve health and veterinary laboratory capacities to confirm health threats and enhance biosafety and biosecurity.Strengthen multisectoral workforce capacities from the community level up.Enhance coordination, data sharing, communication and accountability among One Health stakeholders.Delivery of these objectives will be supported by a US$ 26 million grant from the Pandemic Fund, and complementary action under other World Bank grants. These other grants include the Emergency Human Capital Project (2021–2024), implemented by UNICEF, WHO and UNOPS, with funding to date of US$ 448 million.The Pandemic Fund grant also builds on the legacy of past successful investments that have strengthened outbreak preparedness and response, including the Yemen COVID-19 Response Project (2020–2022), implemented by WHO and the World Bank, and the Emergency Health and Nutrition Project (2017–2022), implemented by UNICEF and WHO with World Bank support.Speaking at the launch, H.E. Dr Qasem Buhaibeh, Minister of Public Health and Population, reflected on Yemen’s commitment to improve pandemic preparedness and response: “Guided by WHO’s International Health Regulations, we are striving to raise our defences against persistent disease threats. This requires all-of-society action, and I hope everyone here today will join us in this effort.”In recent years, building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Yemen has started to routinely deliver on the International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities, such as IHR State Parties Self-Assessment Annual Report (SPAR). The country also conducted its first WHO joint external evaluation of IHR capacities in 2023 and is developing the first Yemen National Action Plan for Health Security, building on the findings and recommendations of these assessments.H.E. Major General Salem Abdullah Al Soqatri, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries, emphasized the importance of multisectoral collaboration: “We know a whole host of threats exist at the animal–human interface – using a One Health approach, with strong coordination at all levels, we can mitigate this risk and better protect ourselves and other countries.”Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, who joined virtually from the USA, said: "In partnership with the Government of Yemen, the WHO, FAO, and UNICEF, the Pandemic Fund is proud to launch this innovative project aimed at fortifying Yemen against future major health threats. By enhancing digital surveillance capabilities and ensuring timely and effective response mechanisms are in place, alongside efforts to bolster laboratory systems and build a highly skilled health workforce, our project will significantly advance the country's pandemic preparedness and response capacities.”WHO Representative to Yemen Dr Arturo Pesigan confirmed the need for broad-based action for pandemic preparedness and response, stating: “At WHO, we often say health systems strengthening is everybody’s business. I’d like to expand on this to say pandemic preparedness and response is everybody’s business.”UNICEF Representative to Yemen Peter Hawkins stressed that "In a world still vulnerable to the impact of pandemics, our resilience will be measured by our ability to prepare diligently and respond swiftly. Every child must be protected from the threat of emerging diseases.”PPRP is expected to make valuable contributions to Yemen’s preparedness and response capacities. Efforts will include, with WHO support, expanding and enhancing integrated disease surveillance and response. This will be done by leveraging and improving existing platforms such as the electronic Integrated Disease Early Warning System (eIDEWS) and rapid response teams positioned in each of the country’s 333 districts. The support will also help to sustain Yemen’s 12 central public health laboratories and enhance sample transportation systems.FAO will support action to enhance surveillance for zoonotic diseases and agricultural laboratories and UNICEF will enhance community-based surveillance across the country. This work will be done in collaboration with WHO and the health authorities. At every step of the way, civil society will be engaged – to mobilize communities for pandemic action, and to ensure project accountability for the delivery of effective results.The launch served as a crucial moment to showcase Yemen’s commitment to – and the support of local and international partners for – pandemic preparedness and response, and to mobilize broad action to protect communities from pandemic threats.So far, the project has set up routine coordination meetings as well as a One Health coordination platform, bringing together the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries, WHO, FAO and other key stakeholders. PPRP focal points have been assigned at each implementing agency and the relevant ministries. Granular technical plans are under development, along with a civil society network for pandemic action.A joint coordination committee, made up of representatives of government entities and partner organizations, is also being set up. This will regularly review progress, discuss challenges, and provide guidance on the project’s overall strategic direction.Media contacts
WHO Yemen Communications
Email: mediayemen@who.int About WHO
Since 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.About the Pandemic FundThe Pandemic Fund – a multistakeholder partnership – was developed by the World Bank, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. It was established as a Financial Intermediary Fund at the World Bank in September 2022, launched in November 2022 at the G20 meetings in Bali, Indonesia, and has come together to deliver financing at record speed. The Fund is an innovative addition to the international health financing toolkit, a first-of-its-kind multilateral platform dedicated to making investments in pandemic prevention and preparedness in low- and middle-income countries. It has the flexibility to work through a variety of institutions, complementing efforts, drawing in co-financing, and promoting coordination on the ground; most importantly, it incentivizes countries to prioritize this agenda and increase their own efforts. The Fund’s operating model involves collaboration with governments, WHO, other United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, global health initiatives, the private sector, philanthropic institutions, and civil society.***
WHO Yemen Communications
Email: mediayemen@who.int About WHO
Since 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.About the Pandemic FundThe Pandemic Fund – a multistakeholder partnership – was developed by the World Bank, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. It was established as a Financial Intermediary Fund at the World Bank in September 2022, launched in November 2022 at the G20 meetings in Bali, Indonesia, and has come together to deliver financing at record speed. The Fund is an innovative addition to the international health financing toolkit, a first-of-its-kind multilateral platform dedicated to making investments in pandemic prevention and preparedness in low- and middle-income countries. It has the flexibility to work through a variety of institutions, complementing efforts, drawing in co-financing, and promoting coordination on the ground; most importantly, it incentivizes countries to prioritize this agenda and increase their own efforts. The Fund’s operating model involves collaboration with governments, WHO, other United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, global health initiatives, the private sector, philanthropic institutions, and civil society.***
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