Yemen: UN agencies visiting health centers to assess needs in Aden

More than 30 humanitarian organizations currently operate in Aden, reaching an average of 1.9 million people with food aid and over 1.6 million with access to safe water each month, said the UN Spokespersons’ office, in a statement.

Since the escalation of violence in Yemen's southern capital of Aden last week, involving separatists formerly-allied with the internationally-recognized Government, the UN said on Tuesday it will remain focused on delivering “essential life-saving programs” to civilians in need.

More than 30 humanitarian organizations currently operate in Aden, reaching an average of 1.9 million people with food aid and over 1.6 million with access to safe water each month, said the UN Spokespersons’ office, in a statement.

According to news reports, Yemeni separatists took control of large parts of the port city at the weekend, which is the de-facto Government capital, while Houthi rebels remain in control of Sana’a.

The UN currently has more than 300 national and international staff working in Aden, and while some rotated out, more international staff are scheduled to arrive in Aden in the coming days, and rotation cycles will continue. “Humanitarian programs are not affected by this process”, the UN said.

Aden port, which is one of the main gateways for commercial and humanitarian goods to Yemen remains operational, while the airport has also re-opened, and roads in Aden are mostly open. 

Humanitarian agencies are responding to the impact of the recent violence in Aden, while “agencies are visiting health centers to assess needs, as well as visiting neighborhoods to identify risks of unexploded ordnance. Agencies also have 2,000 rapid response kits on standby; these kits provide basic food and hygiene supplies in emergencies.

“The UN calls on all parties to maintain the ceasefire prevailing in Aden and to engage in dialogue to resolve differences”, the statement concluded.