Funding Shortages are Threatening to Cut lifesaving Assistance for Millions of Vulnerable People Across Yemen

Funding shortages are threatening to cut lifesaving assistance for millions of vulnerable people across Yemen. As of January, almost two-thirds of major UN aid programmes had already been reduced or closed due to funding gaps. Further cuts are expected in the coming months unless additional support is urgently received.

Food assistance is being scaled back at a time when hunger remains alarmingly high. By March, 11 million people will be forced to rely on reduced food rations, with only 2 million people receiving full rations. Water and sanitation services could soon be turned off in 15 major cities, affecting 4.6 million people. Over 1 million women and girls will soon no longer have access to reproductive health and gender-based violence services.

Millions more stand to lose access to other vital services, including essential healthcare, nutrition, shelter, cash assistance and education. As the UN has stated many times before, more must be done in the long-term to sustainably reduce humanitarian needs, including through concerted efforts to stabilize Yemen’s economy. But in the meantime, urgent funding is essential to maintain the humanitarian operation and avoid a sudden surge in people’s suffering.