Yemen’s humanitarian crisis is worsening and several parts of the country are collapsing following a shortfall in international funding for aid agencies that has forced some agencies to end operations in the country amid conflict and warnings of famine. UN figures show that about five million people in Yemen are now facing starvation as war and drought push the country towards its worst famine in 40 years. About 21 million people – three quarters of the country’s population – rely on aid. Yemen’s humanitarian crisis is also exacerbated by problems including a collapsing economy and restricted access for humanitarian groups.

Within this context, one organization is rising to the challenge.

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed an agreement with the World Food Programme for a generous contribution of US$90 million supporting humanitarian operations to address critical food security needs in Yemen, where conflict, economic decline and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are putting millions in danger of slipping into famine.

The agreement formalizes an announcement made by the state of Qatar in July. The much-needed contribution has already helped WFP to address critical funding shortfalls and ensured the continued provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance to some 7 million people in Yemen.

With the generous contribution from Qatar Fund for Development, WFP has been able to continue providing emergency food assistance to millions of people, in the form of in-kind food transfers, vouchers and cash, and specialized nutritious foods to treat and prevent malnutrition among 500,000 pregnant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age. A portion of the contribution will be used to support the WFP-led United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), a critical service that enables the wider humanitarian response in the country.

In Yemen, WFP provides emergency food assistance through direct food rations, vouchers, or cash to nearly 13 million people, prioritising areas with the highest rates of food insecurity. In addition, WFP is providing 3.3 million children and women with specialised nutrition support and assisting 1.6 million children through its school feeding programme. QFFD’s contribution will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

“Today we need to stand together hand in hand to address the critical food security needs in Yemen, and with the World Food Programme’s significant efforts, we are taking big steps toward easing the life of the Yemenis. We are proud of this strategic partnership that supports food security and helps prevent famine in Yemen,” said HE Khalifa Al-Kuwari, Director General of QFFD.