UN Says Aid Reached 3.4 Million in Yemen, Warns of Worsening Crisis

Aden — The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen announced Wednesday that humanitarian assistance reached 3.4 million people across the country during the first half of 2026, while warning of deepening needs and a widening funding gap.

The statement, issued on World Humanitarian Day, praised relief workers particularly Yemenis who continue delivering aid despite mounting risks, restricted access, and severe funding shortages. 

It stressed that humanitarian action cannot succeed without enabling aid workers to operate safely and in line with humanitarian principles, calling for the immediate release of dozens of detained staff.

The UN highlighted Yemen’s crisis as one of the world’s largest and most severe: more than half the population faces acute food insecurity, while half of children under five along with 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women suffer from acute malnutrition. 

Two out of five health facilities are either non‑functional or only partially operational, leaving millions at risk and underscoring the need for sustained humanitarian support.

On funding, the coordinator noted that Yemen’s 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan has received only 20% of the required resources, forcing aid agencies to scale back life‑saving programs. 

He urged donors to urgently provide the necessary support, affirming that humanitarian workers remain ready to respond to growing needs and assist millions of vulnerable Yemenis.

The humanitarian community reiterated its commitment to stand by the Yemeni people, commending the courage and dedication of local aid workers and volunteers who continue to sustain relief efforts across the country.