USAID helps UNFPA protect vulnerable women and girls in Yemen 

 

Sana’a, Yemen – More than 300,000 women and girls in war-torn Yemen will receive life-saving reproductive health and production services over the next year, with the support of a $5 million contribution by the US Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to UNFPA.

Women and girls remain disproportionately affected by Yemen’s crisis, and lack of funding continues to critically undermine health and protection services for women and girls in the country. An estimated 6.1 million women are in urgent need of protection, and nearly 1.5 million of women and girls will lose access to life-saving services in the next three months. 

“The suffering of women and girls in Yemen has never been this alarming,” said UNFPA’s Representative in Yemen, Nestor Owomuhangi. As of now, only 20 per cent of Yemen functioning health facilities provide maternal and health services. Violence and deprivation are also taking a toll on the psychological well-being of Yeminis, yet mental health services remain scarce. “We are faced with a severe shortage of funds which would ensure that women and girls have the services they require,” said Mr. Owomuhangi. 

USAID funding will help UNFPA provide emergency obstetric and maternal health care in 14 hospitals and two mobile health clinics across eight governorates, targeting areas where needs are most severe. Six women and girls’ safe spaces will be supported to provide psychosocial care, legal aid, medical services and livelihood opportunities, while mental health services will be supported in two specialized psychiatric care centres. 

“Yemeni women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the conflict," says Dianna Long, USAID Yemen Team Leader. "USAID is proud to partner with UNFPA to support the most vulnerable women in accessing critical reproductive health and medical services."

“This latest funding will translate into more people – particularly more women and more girls – enjoying the reproductive health and protection services that they urgently need right now,” said Mr. Owomuhangi. 

UNFPA is the sole provider of essential life-saving reproductive health medicines in Yemen. To keep reaching the most vulnerable women and girls, $100 million is required in 2021. To date, only 41 per cent of this funding appeal has been received, and UNFPA requires an additional $59 million to meet the urgent needs of women and girls in Yemen until the end of the year.