LOC16:33
13:33 GMT
ZURICH, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- The UN warned Monday of a sharp deterioration in Yemen's humanitarian situation, saying 2026 could be "the worst on record" amid a sharp decline in humanitarian funding combined with the worsening food insecurity, fragile health system and continued restrictions on humanitarian organizations, particularly in northern Yemen.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Julien Harneis said the situation is "very concerning", noting that around 19.5 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance last year while the Humanitarian Response Plan was funded at only 28 percent receiving just USD 688 million of the amount required.
He warned that this shortfall is severely undermining the ability of the UN and its partners to meet the populationآ’s basic needs.
Harneis also noted that food insecurity is worsening across all parts of the country "but particularly on the Tehama along the Red Sea" where early signs of rising malnutrition and deteriorating health services are already evident.
He added that the health system which has been supported by the United Nations in cooperation with the World Bank for the past 10 years is now entering a critical phase.
He warned that the system may no longer be supported in the way it has been in the past. stressing that this would have "very major consequences" as the government and authorities in Sanaآ’a lack the financial and institutional capacity to finance and sustain the health system.
Harneis warned that the severe deterioration in food security and the health system has left Yemen increasingly vulnerable to epidemics particularly given that the country has already recorded the highest rates of measles in the world and has experienced recurrent cholera outbreaks especially in the northern governorates.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations international NGOs, and local organizations to continue working to bridge gaps in the humanitarian response. However, he said that the detention of 73 UN staff members since 2021 along with the seizure of UN offices has significantly curtailed the organizationآ’s ability to operate in the field and created an unsafe environment that hampers the implementation of vital humanitarian programs. (end)
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