Humanitarian Relief for Yemen

As we continue to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, we face severe challenges such as widespread malnutrition, the resurgence of cholera outbreaks, economic instability, and the devastating impacts of prolonged conflict. The Yemeni people are enduring immense hardships, with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare. Despite these obstacles, our dedication to aiding Yemen’s most vulnerable populations has never been stronger. Between April and June 2024, we achieved significant milestones across various projects, bringing tangible relief and hope to those in need.

Combating Severe Malnutrition

The malnutrition situation in Yemen is critical, with children being the most affected. The ongoing conflict has devastated the country’s economy and infrastructure, severely limiting access to food and clean water. Over 2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, with half a million suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is life-threatening. Malnutrition has led to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased vulnerability to diseases among Yemeni children.

Because of the dire consequences of malnutrition on the healthy development of children and to reduce morbidity and mortality, YRRF prioritized addressing malnutrition among children. During this reporting period, YRRF focused on treating malnourished children in multiple regions, including Aljarahi and Alsokhna in Hodeidah, Almatamah in Aljawf, Alsadah in Ibb, Jabal Habashi and Jabal Sabir in Taiz, and Koaedenah in Hajjaa. We reached 1,000 children suffering from severe and moderate acute malnutrition monthly. These children received high-protein formulas, food supplements, and continuous medical supervision. Our intervention ensured six months of access to therapeutic foods after treatment, improving their immediate health and supporting their long-term development.

We also educated caregivers on proper feeding practices, promoting sustainable health improvements that address both current needs and help prevent future relapses. This comprehensive approach is crucial in protecting Yemen’s youngest and most vulnerable populations amidst ongoing conflict and economic instability.

Empowering Through Income Generation

The economic situation in Yemen is dire, with the ongoing conflict exacerbating poverty and unemployment, particularly affecting women in rural areas. These women face immense challenges, as traditional livelihoods such as agriculture have been disrupted by the war. Limited access to markets, resources, and education further marginalizes them economically. The collapse of public services and infrastructure has made it difficult for women to access healthcare and support services, increasing their vulnerability. Additionally, many women have become primary breadwinners due to the loss of male family members in the conflict, further straining their already limited resources and opportunities.

To respond to these economic challenges, YRRF prioritized economic empowerment, especially among women who have been displaced due to the war. Between April and June 2024, YRRF implemented an income generation project across several regions, including Almatama in Aljawf, Bait Alfakeih in Hodeidah, Belad Altaam in Raemah, Jabal Habashi and Jabal Sabir in Taiz, Kames Bani Saad in Almahweet, and Radaa in Albeida. This initiative provided 222 households, including 133 female-headed and 89 male-headed households, with livestock and comprehensive training in animal husbandry, benefiting a total of 1,776 individuals.

Each family received either 3 sheep or goats or 9 egg-laying hens and 1 rooster, along with necessary vaccinations and a barn. These animals offer a sustainable source of income and nutrition, enhancing food security and promoting self-sufficiency. By selling products such as meat, milk, wool, and eggs, families can achieve economic stability. Moreover, this project has improved the nutritional status of families, particularly children, by providing essential proteins and micronutrients.

Orphan Sponsorship

The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen have significantly impacted children, leading to a substantial increase in the number of orphans. According to recent estimates, there are over one million orphans in Yemen. These children face dire circumstances, with the majority lacking basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter. These constraints have led to increased health risks, including preventable diseases. Moreover, many are forced to drop out of school due to economic hardships.

Through our orphan sponsorship program, YRRF has made a profound impact on the lives of 354 orphans under 18 years of age across various regions. This program provides families with access to essential resources like shelter, food, and clothing, giving them the support needed to pave the way for a brighter future.

Celebrating Eid al-Adha with the Udhiya Program

Eid al-Adha, a significant religious festival in Yemen, is marked by hardship and struggle under the current circumstances. The ongoing conflict and economic collapse have severely impacted the population’s ability to celebrate this important occasion. Many families cannot afford the traditional sacrificial animals, and the joy of the festival is overshadowed by the daily struggle for survival. Food scarcity, displacement, and loss of income mean that many Yemenis, especially in conflict-affected areas, are unable to partake in customary feasts.

This Eid, YRRF carried out the Udhiya/Qurbani program across Yemen, providing meat shares to 2,342 families, benefiting a total of 14,052 individuals. Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The program reflects this spirit of giving by providing meat to those in need, ensuring they can partake in the celebration.

Our efforts focused on regions including Aden, Aljawf, Almahweet, Aslam, Dhamar, Hajjaa, Hodeidah, Ibb, Lahj, Old Sana’a City, Raymah, Sana’a, and Taiz. Each beneficiary received meat packages ranging from 1.5 to 3 kilograms, depending on the livestock distributed. Additionally, 300 orphans received $50 each as Eid gifts. Through the hard work of our team, we ensured aid reached the most vulnerable, reflecting our commitment to alleviating poverty and supporting communities in Yemen.

Water Tank Distribution

The lack of access to clean water in Yemen has had devastating impacts on the population, contributing to a resurgence of cholera. The conflict has damaged water infrastructure, leaving millions without safe drinking water. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation have led to widespread waterborne diseases, with cholera being particularly rampant. Since the outbreak in 2016, Yemen has experienced one of the worst cholera epidemics in recent history, affecting over 2 million people. Children are especially vulnerable, facing severe dehydration and death without prompt treatment.

To address the urgent need for clean water, we distributed water tanks to 10 families, ensuring they have access to safe and clean drinking water, which is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and reducing health risks.

Cash Support for Families in Need

Unemployment and poverty are rampant. Inflation has soared, making basic necessities like food, fuel, and medicine unaffordable for many families. Public services are nearly non-existent, and government salaries have not been paid since August 2016, further straining household incomes. The economic collapse has forced many into debt and reduced purchasing power, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leaving millions dependent on humanitarian aid for survival.

This quarter, we provided cash support to 120 individuals, allowing them to meet their immediate needs and support their families during these challenging times. This financial assistance has been vital in helping them cope with economic instability and the rising cost of living.

Graduation of Women Midwives

Training midwives in Yemen is crucial to address the dire maternal and child health crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and economic hardship. With a severely weakened healthcare system, many women in Yemen lack access to skilled birth attendants, leading to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. YRRF supported 20 women from areas in Yemen without midwives to enroll in a three-year midwife training program.

This June, all of these midwives graduated, allowing them to significantly improve outcomes by providing essential prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. These skilled midwives can now also educate communities on health practices, identify complications early, and offer lifesaving interventions. Investing in midwife training allows us to enhance the quality of care, empower women, and build resilience within communities, contributing to broader health and development goals in Yemen.

Women’s Empowerment through Entrepreneurship

Supporting women in Yemen to start their own businesses, such as bakeries, is vital for fostering economic stability and empowerment in a war-torn country. With traditional livelihoods disrupted and many women becoming primary breadwinners, small businesses offer a pathway to financial independence and resilience. YRRF supported five Yemeni women in starting their own bakeries, allowing them to provide for their families, create jobs within their communities, and stimulate local economies. Additionally, empowering women through entrepreneurship helps to promote social cohesion and enhances community well-being. YRRF provided the women with all the necessary equipment and materials to start their businesses, enabling them to overcome barriers and succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors, contributing to long-term economic recovery and development in Yemen.

Raising Awareness

To shed light on the situation in Yemen, we strive to highlight the critical issues impacting the country. Our latest blog posts on Global Washington, “Tackling Poverty and Unemployment in Yemen” and “Hope in Every Drop: Bringing Clean Water to Yemen,” illustrate our crucial efforts and the challenges we face. Read more through the following links:

• Tackling Poverty and Unemployment in Yemen
• Hope in Every Drop: Bringing Clean Water to Yemen

Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts

We are deeply grateful for your generous support. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of many Yemeni families. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach and impact, ensuring that we continue to bring hope and relief to those who need it most.

Please consider a recurring gift to support our ongoing work. You can make a tax-deductible donation anytime on our website or our GlobalGiving page. Stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn, and share our updates with your friends and family.

Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Yemen Relief & Reconstruction Foundation

Links:

• Visit our website to learn more about YRRF's impact