Called the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” in Yemen, more than 20 million people are at risk for famine, and aid agencies are desperately funneling as much aid as possible to at-risk families.
While one of the Earth’s oldest inhabited areas, Yemen is also one of the Arab world’s poorest and least developed countries. Child malnutrition rates are among the world’s highest: around half of all Yemeni children under 5 years old are stunted.
And now, with the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), hospital and health facilities across the country are scrambling to find medical supplies to help those infected and to stop the others from contracting it. Yemen is all too familiar with the spread of rampant disease: Cholera gripped families across Yemen for years, and it still does.
The situation across Yemen is dire, but we envision a better world for our sisters and brothers in need, and together with you, we can make that vision a reality.
Islamic Relief is a leading humanitarian organization in Yemen, with more than 3,000 field staff and volunteers in the country. Other notable charities depend on us to deliver their aid as well, due to our strong relationships and powerful program infrastructures across nearly all Yemeni provinces.
Through the support of generous humanitarians and donors, health supplies and resources are being boosted; urgent food aid is being sent, and clean water and sanitation systems are being put into place. And now, we are working with our global family to find ways to increase our health-related support there to reinforce preventative measures and build medical center capacity as coronavirus reaches communities there.
IRUSA has been delivering life-saving aid in Yemeni provinces, including areas like Ta’iz, Saa’da, and Aden for years. IRUSA donors like you have helped thousands of people in Yemen to date. Being there for the people of Yemen is part of the legacy IRUSA is building in the Middle East.
Here’s just a sampling of our recent efforts for families in need across Yemen
As much as we’ve been able to accomplish, there is still so much more to do. If we work together—with YOU—we can make the vision of better a Yemen a reality for so many more of our sisters and brothers in need.
$1,000 can help build innovative water and sanitation facilities
$250 can distribute life-saving medical aid to those suffering from disease
$50 can provide vital food packages to families suffering from starvation
Ahmed is nearing the age of 40. His day is consumed with caring and fending for is family of five. Ahmed fell upon hard times this past year by not having an income. But he wasn’t deterred. He began day labor to fill in the gaps. The money was a help but didn’t truly fulfill necessities of the family.
Ahmed explained: “These days, living conditions are very bad and difficult. It is hard to meet the basic needs of my family as I earn YER 1500 per day. With the rising prices of food, clothing, and basic necessities, it became more difficult to provide good life for my children. Most of the time, I don’t have enough money, so I borrow from neighbors and it is difficult for me to pay back my debts. To survive these days, I rely on humanitarian assistance.”
Ahmed is not alone: Many families across Yemen, like Ahmed’s, are severely food insecure.
But Islamic Relief donors are there for them: Thousands of pounds of nutritious food have been sent to help.
“I am grateful that Islamic Relief supported us with the food ration,” expressed Ahmed. “Without this support, I would not have been able to feed my children.”