The virus is the latest crisis in a country facing ongoing conflict. |

Friend – After more than five years of war in Yemen, over 24 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. And the current hunger crisis could get even worse in the next six months, with 47,000 families potentially facing famine-like conditions. That’s why Oxfam is working tirelessly across Yemen to save lives. From providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and training community health volunteers to create awareness about COVID-19 and the importance of hygiene and hand washing; to delivering cash and vouchers, helping people earn a living, and advocating for policies that will save lives and promote inclusive peace in Yemen. In light of this news, please, take a moment to read our previous update on Oxfam’s work in the region – and learn more about how Oxfam supporters are still helping get food where it’s critically needed.

"The most urgent thing right now is food"
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Hakeem outside his tent. ([link removed] )

Hakeem Asser stands near his tent in the settlement for displaced families, where he lives and also works with Oxfam to promote good health and sanitation, with a focus on how to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Haafedh Almattabi / Oxfam



Friend –

Since the war in Yemen escalated in 2015, many areas have been on the brink of famine. The price of food has increased, and some basics are now difficult to find. About 80 percent of Yemen's population of 30 million need humanitarian assistance right now.

"I can see them during the night, worried, sad, and totally unready to face another day," says Hakeem Asser, a volunteer public health promoter in Yemen. "I try to calm them down and tell them it will be alright."

Oxfam and others – from the UN to small local organizations – are doing all they can to help these families. Oxfam helped more than 2.5 million people in Yemen last year with clean water, hygiene items such as soap, latrines and repair of sewage systems, as well as cash and some assistance for small businesses.

Friend – Your support as a member of the Oxfam community allows us to provide these essential services. In Yemen, Oxfam is working with other humanitarian organizations to provide aid to vulnerable communities impacted by food scarcity and COVID-19.

Read more about our ongoing work to combat Yemen's public health crisis here. ([link removed] )

Now, with COVID-19 looming, Asser says even the ways families had adapted to find food are no longer options. Families are afraid to leave their communities to find food and meet other urgent needs, such as seeking medical care for the virus.

"People here are aware of the virus and how it has been killing many people around the world," Asser says. "They are terrified. They all think they could be infected, and they can't afford to get sick or die."

Oxfam is urgently raising funds to help people in Yemen, and advocating for a nation-wide ceasefire and inclusive peace talks. Oxfam also continues to support the hygiene promotion and education work Asser and others are doing throughout Yemen.

"All I can say is that we are doing our best, and we are confident in God's mercy," Asser says.

Friend, thanks to dedicated supporters like you, Oxfam and partners are responding to the challenges of hunger and public health in Yemen.

With your help, Oxfam can provide cash assistance, food baskets, and hygiene supplies to families in need. We are also urging the government to resume humanitarian aid programs in Northern Yemen. You make our continued commitment to fighting poverty around the world possible.

Want to contribute to the kind of work that tackles the root causes of poverty and injustice – and changes lives around the world? Our work is only possible because of the support of people like you. Make a donation today.

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