Yemen Complex Emergency

The ongoing civil war in Yemen has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, and the situation continues to deteriorate. In a nation of nearly 29 million, as many as 22 million need humanitarian assistance, according to the UN. Two million Yemenis have been displaced and at least 10,000 have died. Faced with ongoing conflict, collapsing basic services and economic decline, 16.4 million people require assistance to obtain healthcare, of whom 9.3 million are in acute need. Only 50 per cent of health facilities in affected areas are functional. An international blockade and reliance on imported medicine and medical supplies has made it difficult to treat the growing health needs and contain a cholera outbreak. More than 1.2 million suspected cases of cholera and 2,500 associated deaths have been reported.  Photo by REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah.

Americares continues to support partner organizations in Yemen, including Yemen Aid, International Medical Corps, and Human Appeal, with shipments that increase access to critically needed medicine and medical supplies. So far this fiscal year Americares has sent three shipments valued at more than $600,000 and weighing more than 100,000 lbs. and three additional shipments are in process. These donations primarily contained IV solutions and related materials and supplies, as well as Personal Protective Equipment and other supplies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Local health authorities have requested these supplies because availability is scarce due to the protracted war and its complications on society, and very few hospital procedures or stays are possible without them.  Americares is also exploring opportunities to address WASH and Mental Health needs in support of health facilities where partnerships and access allow.