Funding Cuts Threaten Yemen's Humanitarian Progress

The U.N. has warned of worsening humanitarian conditions in Yemen due to funding cuts. Concerns are rising as Western countries reduce aid, increasing reliance on Gulf nations. Yemen faces challenges like political instability and disrupted services, leading to heightened food insecurity and health risks.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is deteriorating with potential setbacks in combating malnutrition and health improvements, according to a U.N. warning issued on Monday. Reduced funding exacerbates the crisis, threatening to reverse strides made in recent years, U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, stated.

This year, about 21 million Yemenis will require humanitarian aid, up from 19.5 million last year, as economic collapse and disruption of essential services, including health and education, take their toll. Political uncertainty has further complicated the situation, raising additional concerns about the nation's future, Harneis noted.

Western countries, traditionally mainstays of aid to Yemen, have cut back their funding, shifting focus elsewhere. As leading donors reduce their contributions, largely to bolster defense budgets, the U.N. faces a financial crunch, Harneis explained. Despite these challenges, he expressed hope for increased support from Gulf countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)