News Center- The ongoing conflict in Yemen has exacerbated the ongoing malnutrition crisis in Yemen. Over half of Yemen’s population, 18.2 million people, require some form of humanitarian assistance in 2024, with recent regional conflict dynamics escalating risks, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says in its Yemen Situation Report.

Over six million women and girls face increased risk of violence

According to the report, more than 6.36 million women and girls face increased risks of various types of violence, including harmful practices. In 2024, around 17.8 million people require healthcare assistance, including 5.5 million women needing reproductive health services and 2.7 million pregnant or breastfeeding women needing treatment for acute malnutrition. Only one in five healthcare facilities offer maternal and child health services, highlighting the urgent need for increased capacity.

Since the beginning of the year, UNFPA's response has reached over 350,000 individuals with life-saving reproductive healthcare, protection information and services and emergency relief, with support to 103 health facilities, 36 safe spaces, eight shelters and seven specialized mental health centres, the report says.

Among the 4.56 million displaced in Yemen, women and children constitute an estimated 80 per cent. Insufficient access to comprehensive services for gender-based violence compounds the issue, with rural areas lacking such services by 90 per cent.

“In 2024, UNFPA aims to raise US$70 million to maintain its critical support for women and girls. UNFPA’s appeal is currently funded at 37 per cent,” the report says.