Yemen has been at war for more than a decade. Fighting eased after an UN-mediated truce in 2022, but the conflict never ended and violence is now escalating against the backdrop of wider tensions in the Middle East.

The latest fighting is hitting a country already struggling with food insecurity, severe malnutrition, disease outbreaks, floods and mass displacement. It was estimated that in 2026, 19.3 million people would need health assistance, but resource constraints mean just 7.3 million (38%) have been prioritized for the most urgent response. To date, only 18% of the Health Cluster’s 2026 funding requirements are covered.

Needs are particularly severe in northern Yemen – under the Houthi de facto authorities – where 90 of the Health Cluster’s 105 priority districts are located. UN operations in the north have been suspended since October 2025 following staff detentions, office raids and asset seizures. Severe health, food, nutrition and WASH needs overlap in 46 districts, but response capacity continues to shrink. Since last year, the number of partner-supported health facilities has fallen by 63%, and the number of people reached 87%.