Yemen humanitarian crisis deepens as aid agencies appeal for US$2.16 billion to assist millions in 2026 [EN/AR]

18 March 2026 – The United Nations and humanitarian partners today published the 2026 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). The plan seeks US$2.16 billion to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to 12 million people across Yemen, including women, men and children.

After more than a decade of crisis, humanitarian needs in Yemen continue to rise amid prolonged conflict and subsequent economic decline, displacements, recurrent epidemics, climate shocks and funding cuts. In 2026, 22.3 million people require humanitarian assistance and protection services. This includes 5.2 million internally displaced people, alongside migrants and refugees.

Acute food insecurity remains alarming, with 18.3 million people affected. More than 2.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished, including more than half a million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Essential services remain under severe strain. Nearly 40 per cent of health facilities are partially or not functional and 14.4 million people need water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.

Through the 2026 HNRP, humanitarian partners aim to reach 12 million people, prioritizing 9.4 million in the highest severity areas, as resources remain limited.

“With needs increasing, challenging operational conditions, including on safety and security of humanitarian workers, and resources shrinking, our response is focused on delivering principled, inclusive and accountable life-saving assistance, to those most in need. The humanitarian community will also continue sustaining work and engagement with national and local institutions and partners and strengthen links with development actors. At the same time, the root causes of the crisis must be addressed” said the Humanitarian coordinator a.i. in Yemen, Zeina Ali.

Humanitarian action continues to save lives and reduce suffering across Yemen, However, sustained and flexible funding is urgently needed to prevent the situation from worsening and to avoid catastrophic outcomes for millions of women, men and children.

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The full document can be found here.

For more information, please contact: Ibrahim Haddad, Head of Information, Analysis and Communications Unit, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (haddad17@un.org).