The World Bank has now promised to give Yemen $150 million in grants for health, nutrition and sanitation projects, extending a helping hand towards the country to address a funding shortfall facing the war-torn country.
Yemen is considered as the poorest country in the World Bank`s Middle East and North Africa region before war happened more than six years ago, making the country into what the United Nations describes as the world`s largest humanitarian crisis.
Last year, the country faced a severe gap in funding and more funds came in April after UN officials said Yemen could see the world`s worst famine in decades, but aid groups say the humanitarian operation still does not have enough cash to see out 2021.
“The project will provide much needed emergency funds to help deliver quality healthcare for the poorest and most vulnerable, including those living in remote areas, said Tania Meyer, the World Bank`s Yemen country head.
The World Bank`s Yemen Emergency Human Capital Project (YEHCP) works closely with UN agencies and Yemen`s local authorities. This funding will further go towards essential health, nutrition, water and sanitation services to 3.65 million Yemenis, the World bank said.
The war that broke out in Yemen had severe repercussions with killings of tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, and left millions on the brink of famine. Around 80% of Yemen’s population, or 24 million people, rely on humanitarian relief to survive.
Last week, United States called on the international community, especially Yemen`s neighbours, to fulfil pledges to further increase humanitarian funding, warning that aid programs could otherwise be forced to close.
Yemen`s $3.85 billion 2021 humanitarian response plan stood at only 43% funded earlier this month
