Yemen is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with 22.3 million people out of a population of 35 million in need of assistance. Funding restrictions have forced humanitarian organizations to focus only on the most desperate cases, leaving millions without essential support. Half of the population is experiencing hunger, and nearly two-thirds of households cannot meet minimum food needs. Reduced funding has cut nutrition services by up to 63%, while over 450 health facilities, including 76 hospitals, have closed in the past year.
Concern Worldwide, the only Irish humanitarian organization operating in Yemen, is working in two of the most severely affected regions to provide health and nutrition support, particularly for women and children under five. The organization warns that global funding cuts have severely impacted services such as health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection, worsening the suffering of already vulnerable populations.
Years of conflict, compounded by economic collapse and climate disasters like floods and sandstorms, have displaced millions and left communities exposed to outbreaks of cholera, measles, dengue, and polio. Fuel shortages and medicine stockouts further undermine the fragile health system. In some areas where Concern operates, Global Acute Malnutrition rates exceed 30%, a threshold considered an indicator of famine.
Concern’s projects reach more than 40,000 people across 13 health facilities, providing lifesaving medicines, nutrition services, and support for health workers. Community health volunteers deliver counselling, hygiene promotion, and immunizations. These interventions have saved lives, as seen in the case of Basam, a severely malnourished infant who recovered after receiving therapeutic food, antibiotics, and continuous care at a Concern-supported clinic.
Operating in Yemen since 2023, Concern Worldwide continues to provide equitable access to basic services, emergency response, and livelihood support. Its work aims not only to save lives but also to build resilience and promote long-term recovery in one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian contexts.
