In 2014 and 2015, conflict escalated throughout Yemen and disrupted the political transition process that followed 2011 protests over lack of economic opportunity, corruption and other issues. The country now faces a humanitarian crisis, with the UN estimating that 21.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance (82% of the population), more than any other crisis today.

USAID’s current focus in Yemen is to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive lifesaving assistance throughout the humanitarian crisis. Through the offices of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and Food for Peace, USAID supports interventions including emergency food assistance, medical treatment and vaccination support for children, emergency obstetric services for women, blankets and household goods for displaced families, and hygiene kits and water treatment supplies to reduce the spread of disease.

USAID also supports a small number of early recovery assistance activities intended to maintain key sectors such as health, education, and livelihoods. These activities are limited by an insecure operating environment, which in 2015 forced closure of the U.S. Embassy and suspension of USAID development projects. However, these initial activities build on humanitarian assistance and lay the groundwork for reactivating full development programs should the political and security situation improve.