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Yemen is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 21.6 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in 2025. Despite this urgent need, attention and humanitarian funding remain far too limited. The country is also experiencing a critical public health and protection emergency, with widespread outbreaks of waterborne diseases including cholera, acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), measles, diphtheria, dengue fever, malaria and vaccine-derived polio.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal for emergency health funding, as millions of lives are at risk. Health services in Yemen are overstretched and unable to meet the demands of this major emergency. Approximately 19.6 million people lack access to even the most basic healthcare, and hundreds of healthcare facilities are at risk of closure. Climate-related disasters, such as floods, are increasingly affecting people’s lives and damaging health infrastructure, further exacerbating the situation.

Crisis response by Dorcas

Dorcas is responding to this devastating humanitarian crisis, specifically the cholera outbreak, which has seen 72,144 confirmed cases and nearly 300 fatalities since 2024. In collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Water, we are implementing a multi-sector programme in Taiz and Aden. The project provides urgent water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) support to people in need, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. This will restore access to safe drinking water, prevent the spread of disease, reduce infection risk for the most vulnerable communities, while building their capacity to respond to health emergencies.

To deliver this support, the programme focuses on the following activities:

Activities in Taiz:

• 145,971 people will receive safe, chlorinated water via water trucks for up to three months.
• The Ministry of Water will receive tools for sterilisation, chlorination and laboratory testing to improve local water management.
• Water safety will be regularly monitored.

Activities in Aden:

• 160 community health workers will be trained to promote hygiene practices and assist mobile medical teams in identifying and treating diseases, thereby reaching 4,000 people in need.
• The hygiene education programme will cover personal hygiene, safe water and food handling, and menstrual hygiene, and will use specially designed materials.
• 120 healthcare workers will receive refresher training.
• Mobile medical teams will provide essential health services to remote and displaced communities.
• 400 people will receive hygiene kits to support them in maintaining safe water and personal hygiene practices.

These efforts aim to reduce the spread of disease, improve community health and ensure access to vital services during the outbreak. Dorcas is committed to both providing much-needed humanitarian assistance and working towards sustainable solutions in Yemen.

Dorcas has received the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) certification by Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI). The CHS is an international quality standard for humanitarian assistance which focuses on the needs and rights of those in need. This certification confirms that Dorcas’ projects adhere to the highest quality and accountability standards. 

Gerben de Witte, Dorcas’ Quality Manager, explains what this means for the organisation: ‘We are proud that Dorcas is now CHS certified. It confirms that we deliver quality to our project participants. During the audit, participants expressed that they felt genuinely respected and affirmed that Dorcas actively listens and responds to their needs. The fact that this has been confirmed by an independent assessment is a meaningful recognition for the entire organisation, and especially for the dedicated teams in the countries where we are active.’ 

How the CHS audit was conducted 

Gerben explains: ‘Auditors conducted interviews with employees in the Netherlands and at various country offices and studied extensive policy documentation. They also selected a number of projects for in-depth review to assess whether the policy is being implemented in practice within the projects and by our partners. 

As part of this evaluation, the auditors also spoke with project participants about their experiences with Dorcas and the projects in question. This way, they verified independently that the organisation and their projects comply with the Core Humanitarian Standard.’ 

Strengthening accountability 

Working towards CHS certification has provided Dorcas many new insights, which are used to enhance their work and projects. For instance, they have established feedback and complaint mechanisms in all their projects so that participants can inform them when something is not going well or when they feel certain things should be done differently.  

As Gerben de Witte explains, “At Dorcas, we have always worked in and with communities, providing ample opportunity for participation. Feedback and complaint mechanisms help us to address any complaints quickly and learn from them, enabling us to continuously improve our projects. This ensures that the assistance we provide continues to meet the actual needs of those in need.” 

Importance of certification 

We believe it is important that our work and projects meet the highest quality standards. We want to be accountable to project participants and the communities in which we operate. Institutional donors also set high standards for the quality of our support. The CHS certificate objectively demonstrates that we meet these standards. 

CHS certification strengths Dorcas’ position across its country programmes. José Salema, Country Director Yemen, explains

“The certification enhances credibility with communities, donors, and partners. It contributes to improved programme quality, encourages responsible working practices, and provides a competitive advantage in a complex humanitarian setting.” 

As we move forward, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and accountability for our work.  

Statement of Commitment to the CHS

1. Knowledge of rights and participation: People can exercise their rights and participate in decisions affecting them. 
2. Timely and effective support: People receive timely and effective assistance tailored to their needs.
3. Preparedness and resilience: People are better prepared and more resilient to potential crises. 
4. Support that does not cause harm: Assistance avoids causing harm to people or the environment. 
5. Reporting and addressing concerns: People can safely report concerns and complaints and have them addressed. 
6. Coordinated and complementary support: People receive coordinated and complementary support. 
7. Continual improvement based on feedback: Support is continually adapted and improved based on feedback and learning. 
8. Respectful staff and volunteers: People interact with respectful, competent, and well-managed staff and volunteers. 
9. Ethical and responsible resource management: Resources are managed ethically and responsibly for their intended purposes. 

Read here more about CHS.

In early 2025, Dorcas in close partnership with our long-time partner Life Vision launched a new three-year PIP project in Upper Egypt. This innovative approach – relatively new to the Middle East – directly addresses some of the region’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, including climate change, land degradation, gender inequality and economic migration. 

The project focuses on two rural communities in Minya Governorate, one of Egypt’s lowest income regions. Here, farming families face fragmented land ownership, dated agricultural practices, and limited income opportunities – especially for women. The PIP approach aims to transform this landscape by increasing the resilience and income generation of 1,090 smallholder households, ultimately reaching over 5,000 people directly and many more indirectly. 

Women leading change 

PIP builds on the previous success of the Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) model implemented by Life Vision. The project will start with 50 proactive women farmers – many of whom are FFBS graduates – acting as Innovator Farmers. These women will become role models and trainers, cascading knowledge through three generations of farmers through peer-to-peer learning. By the end of the project, more than 1,000 households will have been trained, and the ripple effect is expected to reach up to 15,000 people in surrounding communities. 

Integrated approach to farming 

The PIP methodology, developed by Wageningen University, takes a whole-household approach. It empowers families to create a shared vision for their future and develop personalised, integrated farm plans – visually represented in what’s called a ‘PIP drawing’. These plans identify goals and strategies in seven core areas: crop production, land management, livestock, income generation, household improvements, training and savings. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone in the family contributes to and benefits from the household’s progress, promoting social cohesion, gender equality and long-term economic stability. 

Beyond the households, two community-based organisations (CBOs) are also being supported to strengthen their capacity to lead development efforts and mobilise local resources. A key innovation in this project is the introduction of value chain development and improved market access, particularly in the village of El Tayeba, which is known for its higher level of entrepreneurial activity. By 2027, the project aims to have established a network of resilient, self-reliant farming families equipped with the tools, skills, and mindset to adapt, flourish, and inspire others. 

A new step towards sustainable impact

Dorcas Mozambique is continuing as an independent local NGO under the name ‘Mãos Unidas’, which means ‘United Hands’. This change enables the organisation to create impact in a more sustainable way, with greater scope for tailor-made solutions and local leadership.

Agnes Kroese (CEO of Dorcas): “Sometimes, in order to grow, you need to dare to let go.”

Transition to an independent organisation

Mozambique, one of the poorest countries in the world, requires a specific approach. Since its start in 2001, Dorcas Mozambique has achieved a lot as a country office of Dorcas Aid International. However, over time it became clear that implementing projects in the country as an international organisation was no longer viable; the required investments no longer matched the level of impact that could be achieved in this way. Therefore, a process of becoming independent was initiated. As a local NGO, Mãos Unidas can now respond more flexibly to local needs and continue working in a small-scale, effective, and sustainable manner.

A considered, forward-looking step

The decision to become independent was made possible in part thanks to years of investment in local leadership. Although the name is changing, the mission of Mãos Unidas remains similar. The organisation focuses on long-term solutions in areas such as livelihoods, food security, economic development, water management, climate resilience, and community development. In times of crisis, Mãos Unidas not only provides emergency assistance but also supports communities to recover and develop.

Mãos Unidas is officially registered as a national NGO in Mozambique, ready to carry forward it’s important work. With this step, Mãos Unidas can now independently build on the foundation laid by Dorcas in Mozambique since 2001. This foundation creates opportunities for a sustainable future. Dorcas will remain involved until 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. This development in Mozambique aligns with the course Dorcas has been charting for 45 years: always focussed on lasting impact.

We confidently hand over the work to a strong, local organisation. We look back with appreciation on the collaboration with our colleagues in Mozambique and are grateful for the results we have achieved together over the years with our local colleagues, supporters, and partners. We wish Mãos Unidas all the best and God’s blessing for the future.

In South Sudan, the political, economic, security and humanitarian situation has recently further deteriorated, with security reaching its lowest point since 2018. Renewed clashes between government and opposition forces have escalated violence, putting countless lives at risk. The country has already endured decades of famine, conflict and flooding, and ZOA Dorcas, along with local partners, continues to provide critical support to communities in need in the face of these ongoing challenges. 

Additional pressing issues in South Sudan include: 

• The devaluation of the local currency and the rising prices of food and basic commodities are severely affecting the population. 

• The conflict in Sudan has driven more than a million refugees into South Sudan, straining already limited resources. 

• Humanitarian needs are increasing while international funding and support has decreased. 

• Extreme weather events – floods, droughts and heatwaves – cause displacement, disrupt livelihoods and fuel conflict over scarce resources. 

Our work in South Sudan 

Dorcas has been present in South Sudan since 2008 and since 2022, we work in partnership with ZOA, forming the ZOA Dorcas South Sudan consortium. ZOA Dorcas supports communities affected by conflict and natural disasters, focusing on sustainable livelihoods for marginalised groups in hard-to-reach areas. Our aim is to reduce the risks associated with conflict, lack of resources and extreme climatic events. 

With a long-term presence and strong local partnerships, we’re well positioned to support those in need. Recent impactful projects include a dyke project to prevent flooding, reclaim farmland, and resettle displaced families, and the installation of tubewells in areas affected by drought to improve access to water. 

Find out more about our work in South Sudan.

Dorcas took part in the Netherlands Trade Mission to Kenya from 17–20 March 2025. Focusing on sustainable agriculture and water, the mission provided a valuable platform for engagement, collaboration and visibility. The event was led by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Reinette Klever, and timed to coincide with the State Visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. It brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, development organisations, and research institutions.

Highlighting the Siaya Water and Sanitation Project 
One of the key moments for Dorcas was our presentation on the Siaya Water and Sanitation Project. Edwin, Country Director of Dorcas Kenya, and Daniella, Thematic Expert, shared insights on our partnership with Maji Milele, Siaya County Government, North Gem CDP and Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The Public Ownership-Private Management model used in this initiative received significant interest, with several organisations expressing a desire to replicate and scale up the approach in other regions. This underlines the growing demand for sustainable water solutions in Kenya.

So far, the project has had a substantial impact, providing access to safe water for more than 115,000 people and improved sanitation for more than 97,000 people.

Learn more about the impact by watching the video below:

Building partnerships and looking ahead 

Dorcas participated in a series of high-level meetings, networking events and site visits. These engagements enabled us to connect with new partners who share our vision for sustainable development. We explored opportunities to collaborate with various organisations interested in sustainable agriculture and water solutions. 

Participation in this mission has considerably boosted Dorcas’ visibility among key stakeholders in both Kenya and the Netherlands. The interest in the Siaya model, coupled with promising new contacts, offers exciting opportunities for future collaboration.

This mission reaffirmed our commitment to impactful and sustainable solutions in water and agriculture. We look forward to furthering our work for communities in Kenya and beyond.  

Learn more about Dorcas Kenya.

Yesterday, Minister Klever of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation presented her long-awaited development policy. Dorcas is shocked by the tone of the letter and finds the direction taken in the new policy concerning. The new policy focuses solely on the interests of the Netherlands. It does not do justice to fundamental values such as compassion, international solidarity, and stewardship – values that have been central to Dutch development policy for decades. These values have enabled us to tackle global challenges together and build sustainable partnerships with countries that share our interests. 

The new policy direction is not, as suggested, in the long-term interest of the Netherlands. In these uncertain geopolitical times, we need strong international partnerships based on equality. International cooperation is one of the key ways to establish such partnerships and to serve Dutch interests on the global stage. The cuts of more than 2 billion euros per year, the reduction of embassy staff, and the one-sided focus on national self-interest hinder the formation of these sustainable partnerships. 

If this policy is pursued, it will reduce future prospects for people in low-income countries. The removal of higher and vocational education programmes deprives young people of the opportunity to thrive in their own countries, while cuts to international climate policy will impact people in regions vulnerable to droughts, floods, and other climate disasters. While the focus on trade, migration, and security may seem attractive in the short term, in the long run, we stand to lose something far greater: a safe, prosperous, and stable world for all. Ultimately, this will also harm the Netherlands, as we are intrinsically connected to the countries around us. 

We therefore urge national policymakers to realign development policy with its true purpose: effectively supporting people around the world who face poverty, exclusion, and crisis. This is good for the world – and good for the Netherlands. 

As Dorcas, we will continue engaging constructively with national policymakers and other stakeholders to develop sound policies together. Additionally, we remain committed, alongside our partners, to working towards a just society, standing with those in disadvantaged positions. We actively seek structural solutions that contribute to resilient communities, where no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to develop and flourish. We do this with the support of a dedicated and active network of churches, businesses, volunteers, and donors. Together, we will continue to stand up for ‘those in need’! 

Between October and December, the Dorcas team, with the support of the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF), provided cash assistance for winter fuel to 4,258 households in the Zaporizhzhia region. This initiative has become an essential support for people in need, who have found themselves in a complicated situation due to the conflict and economic crisis. Over the past year, the problem has been exacerbated by continuing attacks on energy infrastructure.  

In addition, declining support from several funds has led to a significant increase in the number of internally displaced people at risk. IDPs are also often housed in privately rented or substandard housing, which, like most housing in Ukraine, may lack adequate insulation. Returnees and non-displaced persons also face similar insulation challenges in their homes, and the situation is exacerbated by conflict-related damages such as leaking roofs, broken windows and damaged perimeter walls that compromise the thermal integrity of the houses.   

As a result, heating their homes for at least three months has become an unbearable financial burden for people with disabilities, older people, large families and single parents. The amount of assistance was around 505 euros per household. The funds enabled families to buy firewood and briquettes to keep their homes warm during the cold months.  

This underscores the importance of international support in continuing to support Ukrainians who are enduring and struggling to survive in the midst of the conflict. 

The impact of this assistance can be seen in families like Valentyna’s. Forced to leave Zaporizhzhia due to the ongoing hostilities, Valentyna and her husband have settled in Vilnyansk, where they face a daily struggle to make ends meet. With limited financial resources, they rely on collected branches and cones to heat their home. Thanks to financial support from the Dorcas team and UHF, they were able to buy enough solid fuel to get them through the winter and provide a warm and stable environment for their grandchildren. Their story reflects the resilience of Ukrainian families and the important role humanitarian assistance plays in supporting them to face these difficult times with dignity and hope.

Recent developments in Syria have caused significant unrest and uncertainty. This situation also affects our colleagues working in Syria, the partners we collaborate with, and the participants in our projects. As a result, our projects in the region are temporarily on hold.

To ensure the safety of our staff and partners, we will not be making further statements at this time.

We kindly ask you to keep the people of Syria in your thoughts and prayers, and to join us in hoping for peace and stability in the region.

Dorcas is responding to urgent needs in South Sudan and Ethiopia, addressing crises in some of the most affected regions.

In South Sudan, the northern state of Bahr el Ghazal has been one of the hardest hit areas by the devastating floods, which have displaced families and had a severe impact on livelihoods. Agricultural land has been damaged and the harvest season disrupted, leaving many households facing food insecurity. To support recovery, ZOA Dorcas South Sudan will provide a one-off emergency cash distribution to up to 4,000 people in two counties.

Meanwhile, in Ethiopia’s Oromia State, East Wollega, displacement caused by intercommunal tensions over competition for land and resources and attacks by armed groups has forced thousands of people into overcrowded camps or urban areas. Following an assessment in six districts, the Dorcas Ethiopia team identified Waya Tuka as the area of most urgent need. Dorcas Ethiopia will provide cash assistance to 400 displaced households for two months.

Dorcas is and will continue to be committed to providing timely and effective support in the countries where we work. Reaching those most in need at critical times.