Yemen, 10 years of conflict, the forgotten crisis

The conflict between the two factions – on one side the Houthis, backed by Iran, and on the other the Yemeni government, supported by an international coalition of countries led by Saudi Arabia and the USA – which began in 2014 for control of the country, has not only caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, but also considerable damage in terms of the economy, infrastructure, service provision, health and education systems, as well as the social fabric. While this is directly linked to the war, the lack of food and the deterioration in living conditions are the consequence of its indirect effects.

Recent developments in the Middle East regional situation, which has worsened and intensified since October 7, 2023, raise fears of an escalation that would worsen the already critical situation for more than three-quarters of the Yemeni population.

The challenges of humanitarian response

The prolonged crisis has led to a total collapse of the healthcare system. Only 50% of health facilities are operational throughout the country. The situation is even more dramatic in the most remote areas, as explained by a patient at the health center in the town of Mokha, on the southwest coast of the country: “Before the war, we had access to healthcare and transport. Everything was easier. But since then, everything has changed. Health centers have become non-existent or too far away, and we are completely isolated, especially between Aden and Taizz.”

In 2024 in Yemen, over 50% of the population – or 18.2 million people – are in need of humanitarian aid. Among them, some 5 million children under the age of five and 2.7 million pregnant and breast-feeding women require urgent treatment for acute malnutrition.

Despite the scale of the needs and the coordination efforts of numerous non-governmental organizations, the humanitarian response faces multiple challenges. Overshadowed by other international crises, Yemen is now one of the “forgotten crises”. By 2023, less than 40% of the $4.34 billion needed to help 17.3 million people in distress targeted by humanitarian aid had been raised, forcing humanitarian organizations to reduce or terminate essential assistance programs. In addition to financial constraints, administrative restrictions imposed by the authorities make access to populations in distress difficult.

Psychological support at the heart of healthcare

It is against this backdrop that Première Urgence Internationale has been operating in Yemen since 2007, in the regions most affected by multiple crises. The health centers supported by our teams provide an immediate response to the measles, diphtheria and cholera epidemics affecting the country, as well as general care, treatment for malnutrition, assistance with pregnancy monitoring and psychosocial support. The increase in the number of patients and consultations is one of the results of the quality and diversity of the services offered by Première Urgence Internationale.

“The influx of patients has increased because the organization provides medicines and primary health care for children. […] Without a delivery room and resuscitation tools, before Première Urgence Internationale intervened, no safe deliveries could take place. Today, around 3,058 deliveries are carried out (per year)”. (Doctor, Al Madman)

Faced with the trauma caused by the conflict in Yemen, psychological support for the population is a priority for Première Urgence Internationale. By setting up spaces dedicated to women and children within health centers, our teams aim to strengthen the psychosocial well-being of women by offering them an environment conducive to listening and talking with health professionals. In these spaces, advice on breastfeeding, health care and cooking classes are offered. The nurses notice a noticeable change: participants leave the center more relaxed and better prepared to take care of themselves and their children.

Today, Première Urgence is active in four governorates, supporting 21 health centers and communities by rehabilitating water points to ensure access to drinking water for as many people as possible.

By adopting an integrated approach encompassing various sectors such as health, nutrition, hygiene, water, sanitation and psychosocial support, Première Urgence Internationale strives to provide tailored responses to the essential needs of populations. “The aim of our humanitarian work is to save lives, alleviate suffering and ensure people’s dignity,” sums up Dr. Abdul Khaliq Thabet (Nutrition Center, Al Jabin, Raymah governorate).

This project is supported by CDCS, BHA – USAID, and ECHO-UE.