Yemen: A joint emergency food response to meet urgent humanitarian needs
The current situation in Yemen is calm yet tense, with the shockwaves of developments in the Middle East reverberating throughout the country. Aden and neighbouring governorates in the south and east are experiencing economic and logistical instability, widespread power cuts and the spread of viral diseases. The situation is further compounded by deteriorating health and education services.
Yemen is also facing alarmingly high levels of food insecurity, with some populations now at risk of famine (IPC Phase 5) for the first time since 2022. Currently, 17.1 million people, nearly half of the country’s population, experience high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). Projections suggest that this figure could increase to 18.1 million people between September 2025 and October 2026, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis and the necessity of ongoing intervention.
The delayed rainy season has led to dry conditions persisting across Yemen, heightening the risk of drought and exacerbating water scarcity. These climatic challenges are placing an additional burden on communities that are already struggling.
Population
Yemen has a population of 35.2 million people
Poverty
48.6% of people live in poverty, according to national poverty lines
Our Reach
In 2024 82,548 people took part in our programmes
What we do in Yemen
Overview
Dorcas opened its Country Office in 2021 in Aden. In previous years Dorcas supported work of local partner International Training and Development Center (ITDC) providing emergency food assistance to Yemen's most vulnerable families. This remains our priority in Yemen - to ensure continuous food access among exposed households. For the next years, Dorcas will also participate as member in the Dutch Relief Alliance.
Health
A total of 10 health facilities will be rehabilitated and provided with essential drugs, supplies, high quality equipment and training of staff. Through Community Health Volunteers and Mother Groups, Dorcas aims to promote good health, hygiene, and nutrition behaviours.
Community-Based Protection
Dorcas sees the immense needs of the Yemeni population in the field of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). People throughout Yemen are suffering, for example, from displacement, loss of home/possessions, poverty, hunger, insecurity and even loss of family members. In 2022, Dorcas started a pilot project with a local partner to provide psychosocial support sessions for women and children. The sessions for children address different themes through art and play in a safe environment. Dorcas plans to expand this intervention in the future to increase its impact. That will be realised in collaboration with other NGOs in this field, either in community-based interventions or specialised MHPSS care.
Impact story: 'This work lets me express who I am'
Haifa holds a degree in business administration. She lives in Aden with her husband and has two children. She is the founder of our partner organisation LOYAC.
Back in 2011, she briefly worked on a project with another international NGO, which she really enjoyed. She then went into banking, but that was not where her heart lay. That was the moment she realised humanitarian work was her vocation and established LOYAC. This NGO has helped hundreds of people, but one story, in particular, sticks in her mind.
Abdullah’s story
‘A few years ago we visited an orphanage in Shaab. There I met Abdullah, a young boy who had already experienced so many intense things in life.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
A minimum of 1,000 households were provided with standard hygiene kits for six consecutive months. In addition, four local community wells were rehabilitated and refitted with Solar Pumping.
After receiving the hygiene kits, parents observed that it improved their children’s health as they noticeably had less infections and were ill less often. The correct hand washing procedures quickly became part of the daily routine and benefited them a lot.
Meet our Country Director…
José Salema - Country Director
“Living in an area where there is a constant threat of violence, has a great impact on people's mental health. Even if the conflict in Yemen is over by tomorrow, we will still feel the consequences of it for years. Because of the violence, there are limited possibilities for people to live a full and thriving life. Poverty and hunger are also real threats. There is a daily struggle for food and water.
From experience, I know people in these areas are also resilient. The work that Dorcas does in Yemen is very important. We focus on food security and water and sanitation, but also on mental health and social cohesion. I believe our contribution matters. My colleagues at Dorcas Yemen know what it takes to do this work. Working with them, gives me hope.”
News
Our partners
From our Country Office in Aden, Dorcas Yemen continues to partner in its projects with local and international organisations. Together with ITDC, LOYAC, Medair, NMO and our own staff we work with the Yemeni people to develop and support communities. We will explore ways to strengthen and complement each other’s activities and prepare for the future by identifying opportunities for sustainable recovery.
Strategic Partners and Donors
- International Training and Development Center (IDTC)
- LOYAC
- Medair
- NMO