Yemen: A joint emergency food response to meet urgent humanitarian needs
Since the start of the civil war in 2015, several parties have been fighting to claim power inside Yemen. This has had destructive consequences for one of the poorest populations on the Arabian Peninsula determining the country's fate as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
Some 20.7 million people - more than two thirds of the population - are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In a particularly cruel twist, it is children who bear the brunt of a merciless environment that UNICEF accurately describes as a "living hell". A staggering 30,000 children die every year of chronic malnutrition, among other leading causes. More than 20 million people are food insecure while a 10 million people do not know where their next meal is coming from - a reality that veers dangerously close to nationwide famine.
Ongoing fighting at the frontlines, security incidents are routine events; the collapse of public services and the economy inevitable. Despite the enormity of the crisis, there are many barriers to aid access including the presence of armed groups, and bureaucratic blockades.
Population
Yemen has a population of 30.5 million people
Poverty
Nearly 80% of the population are living in extreme poverty
Our Reach
In 2021 3,120 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.
Food Security
A minimum of 1,000 households (displaced and vulnerable families in hard-to-reach areas) will be provided with standard food assistance (in-kind and cash) for 6 consecutive months. All households will also receive a Solar Thermal Cooker.
Community-Based Protection
Dorcas sees the immense needs of the Yemeni population in the field of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. 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 is starting 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.
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.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
A minimum of 1,000 households will be provided with standard Hygiene Kits for 6 consecutive months. In addition, four local community wells will be rehabilitated and refitted with Solar Pumping.
Meet our Country Director…
Tapuwa Nzara - Country Director
“Yemen continues to face unprecedented humanitarian, social and economic crises fuelled by years of conflict. As a result, institutions that provide essential basic services struggle to meet the needs of vast numbers of displaced people.
However, I believe the tide can turn: we can tackle the underlying causes of Yemen’s crises. Dorcas does this by focusing on crisis prevention and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities and local structures. Our approach emphasises equity and inclusion so that youth, women, and girls are also empowered to improve their lives. And we enable communities affected by the conflict to identify the risks they face and take appropriate action to mitigate these.
I’m convinced that our sustainable efforts will help Yemen to build the foundations for future peace”.
News
Our partners
With our own Country Office in place, Dorcas will continue to partner in its projects with local and international organisations. Together with ITDC, Medair and our own staff we will working side by side with the Yemeni people to develop and support communities. Together we look to strengthen and complement each other and prepare for the future - identifying opportunities for sustainable recovery.
Strategic Partners and Donors
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- International Training and Development Center (IDTC)
- Medair