Yemen remains gripped by one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with 22 million – out of a population of 35 million – requiring assistance. Women and girls account for half of those in need, and two-thirds of them are of childbearing age, placing reproductive health at the heart of the emergency.
The UN agency supporting women and girls in the field (UNFPA) is working across the country to meet urgent reproductive needs. It warns that a combination of malnutrition, limited healthcare and rising protection risks is putting lives in jeopardy.
One of the most immediate concerns is food insecurity. “Unfortunately, malnutrition is on the rise,” says Francesco Galtieri, the agency’s senior official in Yemen.
The consequences are particularly severe for pregnant women – when they lack adequate nutrition during pregnancy, the risks to their babies’ development and health increase significantly.
Healthcare access, especially in rural and remote areas, is another critical challenge.
The country has the highest maternal mortality rate in the Arab region, and three women die every day due to pregnancy complications or during childbirth. Around two-thirds of these deaths could be prevented if they had access to a midwife or doctor.
Beyond health, protection from violence is a pressing concern. Conflict and economic hardship have heightened risks for women and girls, who often bear the brunt.
