Press release
The European Union Grants UNFPA EUR 3 Million to
Deliver Lifesaving Services for Women and Girls in Yemen
The European Union remains one of UNFPA’s key humanitarian partners in Yemen, with more
than €60 million in financial contributions reaching over 6 million people with lifesaving
services since 2018.
Aden, 27 August 2026 — The European Union (EU) provided a EUR 3 million humanitarian
contribution to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund to deliver lifesaving services for
women and girls in Yemen. The funding will support nearly a quarter of a million of the most
vulnerable, women and girls, including displaced persons with emergency relief, life-saving
reproductive health and protection services and mental health support across southern-eastern
governorates in Yemen.
More than a decade of conflict, economic collapse, and climate shocks has displaced 5.2 million
people across Yemen, placing immense pressure on already overstretched essential services.
Nearly 11 million women and girls need humanitarian assistance and an estimated 662,000
pregnant women need lifesaving reproductive health services. With less than half of childbirths
occurring in health facilities, preventable complications during pregnancy and delivery risk fatal
outcomes. At the same time, more than 6.2 million women and girls lack basic protection
services, and seven million people require urgent mental health support.
“The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Yemen,
particularly those most affected by the humanitarian crisis. This contribution will ensure that
women and girls can access lifesaving health, protection, and mental health services. Through
its cooperation with UNFPA, the European Union helps to protect lives and uphold the dignity
and rights of those most in need,” said Patricia Mirella Hoorelbeke, the EU Humanitarian Aid
Acting Head of Office.
This new EU funding, will enable UNFPA to:
● provide immediate lifesaving assistance to newly displaced persons through the UNFPA-
led UN Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM).
● continue the provision of emergency obstetric care services at 10 health facilities in
areas with high severity of needs.
● provide protection, legal aid, and psychosocial support across eight women and girls’
safe spaces.
● provide trauma and mental health care through a specialized mental health centre.
