Yemen
A decade of crisis. 19.5 million in need. The world moved on.
10+
years of conflict since March 2015
19.5M
People in humanitarian need
6M+
At risk of famine conditions
770+
Health facilities at risk of closure
25%
Of global cholera cases in 2024
What's Happening
Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when Houthi forces took control of the capital Sanaa. Since March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition has conducted military operations against the Houthis. The conflict has devastated the country's infrastructure, economy, and healthcare system.
A fragile truce held through 2022-2023, but peace remains elusive. Meanwhile, Yemen has become a secondary story—overshadowed by newer crises, its suffering too familiar to make headlines.
December 18-26, 2025: Nine WFP Staff Detained in Sana'a
The UN Secretary-General has condemned the detention of additional UN personnel in Sana'a on December 18, including nine WFP staff members. This brings total UN personnel detained by Houthis to at least 69. WFP continues food security operations while staff remain held. The pattern of targeting humanitarian workers threatens the infrastructure of aid delivery itself.
— WFP Yemen Situation Report #11, December 22, 2025
December 23-24, 2025: Prisoner Exchange Deal, UN Detentions Reach 69
Prisoner swap: Yemen's government and Houthis have agreed to exchange approximately 3,000 detainees in talks held in Oman on December 23. A rare diplomatic breakthrough amid ongoing conflict.
UN staff: The total number of UN personnel detained by Houthis has reached 69. UN Chief Guterres condemned the detention of 10 additional staff members. The group has indicated these individuals may face trials related to alleged Israeli connections.
Released mariners: Houthis released nine Filipino sailors held since a July Red Sea attack—a potential shift in their maritime campaign.
Southern fragmentation: The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council claims authority over eight governorates. Armed clashes between Yemeni troops and separatist forces continue in the oil-rich Hadramout region.
— Multiple sources, December 23-24, 2025
December 22, 2025: 61% of Households Cannot Meet Food Needs
According to WFP's December 22 situation report, 61% of households across Yemen were unable to meet their minimum food needs in November 2025. WFP has completed its final general food assistance cycle in government-controlled areas and is transitioning to a new targeted emergency food assistance program beginning January 2026.
Yemen remains one of six countries classified as "highest concern" by FAO and WFP for imminent risk of catastrophic hunger through May 2026. Over 18 million people (52% of the population) face acute food insecurity at crisis levels or above. More than 41,000 people are projected to reach IPC Phase 5—catastrophic—in Houthi-controlled territory.
— WFP Yemen Situation Report #11, December 22, 2025
"Nearly 7 million people risk losing access to primary and secondary healthcare if more than 770 health facilities close."
— UN OCHA, 2025
The Intersecting Crises
🍞
Hunger
Six million additional people risk falling into emergency food insecurity. Famine conditions threaten multiple areas. Children bear the heaviest burden.
💧
Cholera
Yemen accounted for roughly one quarter of all cholera cases globally in 2024. The current outbreak began in March 2024. Damaged water infrastructure means the disease keeps returning.
🏥
Healthcare Collapse
Only about 1,200 health facilities remain operational with support. Medicines are scarce. Medical workers have fled or gone unpaid for years.
📚
Education
Over 1.3 million children could be forced to drop out of school. A generation is losing its future to a war they didn't start.
Funding Gap
The 2025 humanitarian response requires $2.5 billion. Current funding:
24.5% funded
$1.9 billion gap
The underfunding has forced aid organizations to reduce their target from 12 million to 8.8 million people. Four million people who need help won't receive it—not because help is impossible, but because there isn't enough money.
Organizations Providing Aid