Yemen
After a decade of war, nearly two in three Yemenis need help to survive.
In numbers
- people need humanitarian assistance, out of 35.3 million
- 22.3 millionpeople need humanitarian assistance, out of 35.3 millionOCHA, Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026, 31 Mar 2026
- children under five acutely malnourished
- 2.2 million+children under five acutely malnourishedOCHA, Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026, 31 Mar 2026
- people affected by acute food insecurity
- 18.3 millionpeople affected by acute food insecurityOCHA, Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026, 31 Mar 2026
- UN 2026 plan to reach 12 million of the people in need
- $2.16 billionUN 2026 plan to reach 12 million of the people in needOCHA, via ReliefWeb, 18 Mar 2026
What is happening
After more than a decade of war, 22 million people need aid, and over 2 million young children are acutely malnourished.
Yemen’s war began in 2014 and has destroyed much of the economy, the health system and basic services. Most families can no longer afford enough food, and the currency has lost much of its value.
Malnutrition among young children is among the worst in the world, and nearly 40 per cent of health facilities are only partly working or not working at all. New fighting since August 2026 has displaced more than 200,000 people, many from Taiz.
The UN describes the response as critically underfunded. Food, nutrition treatment for children, clean water and health care are the most urgent needs.
How it got here
- Sep 2014
Houthi forces take control of the capital, Sanaa.
- Mar 2015
A Saudi-led coalition intervenes and the war escalates.
- Apr 2022
A UN-brokered truce brings a major drop in fighting.
- Mar 2026
The UN plan finds 22.3 million people need aid; the response is critically underfunded.
- Aug–Oct 2026
New fighting displaces more than 216,000 people, many of them from Taiz.
Who is most affected
Young children
More than 2.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished.
Displaced families
5.2 million people are displaced inside the country.
Patients
Nearly 40% of health facilities are only partly working or not working at all.
Where your donation helps in Yemen
These organisations are working in Yemen now. Any one of them is a good choice.
UNICEF
Children: nutrition, vaccines, water and schooling
The UN agency for children, treating malnutrition and providing safe water, health care and education.
World Food Programme
Emergency food and nutrition
The world’s largest humanitarian organisation fighting hunger, delivering food and cash in crises.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
Emergency medical care in conflict zones
Independent medical humanitarian organisation running hospitals and clinics where needs are greatest.
More trusted organisations
Save the Children
Children’s health, nutrition and protection
Works in crisis zones to keep children safe, fed, healthy and learning.
Islamic Relief Worldwide
Emergency relief, food and water
Faith-inspired relief and development charity working in more than 40 countries.
Already donated?
Questions about giving for Yemen
Is the war in Yemen over?
Large-scale fighting fell after the 2022 truce, but there is no lasting peace, and new clashes in 2026 have displaced more than 200,000 people. The economic collapse continues to drive hunger.
What does my donation provide?
Treatment for malnourished children, food, clean water and basic health care.
Can aid reach all parts of Yemen?
Access is difficult in some areas, but UN agencies and established charities with local staff work across the country.
Can’t donate right now?
Sharing reliable information still helps. Attention brings funding, and funding brings aid. More ways to help.
Keep reading
Yemen's children: hunger after a decade of war
More than 2.2 million young children in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Why the crisis continues, and what treatment can do.
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More than 5 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since late 2023, many with nothing, to a country already facing record hunger.
ReadSources and live updates
- OCHA, Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026 (31 Mar 2026)
- OCHA, via ReliefWeb (18 Mar 2026)
- OCHA Yemen (13 Oct 2026)
Figures change quickly. We quote each number from the named source on the date shown and review these pages regularly. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.