Yemen's Maternal Health Crisis Deepens Amid War & Aid Shortages

Yemen’s Enduring Humanitarian Crisis & Maternal Health Challenges

Yemen continues to grapple with a deeply entrenched and multifaceted humanitarian emergency. Over nine years of ongoing conflict, coupled with economic downturn, insufficient financial support, and the lingering consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, have drastically curtailed access to vital services for the nation’s populace. The impact is disproportionately felt by women and girls, particularly concerning their reproductive and maternal wellbeing.

The country currently records one of the highest rates of maternal mortality within the Arab States region, a direct result of limited availability to high-quality emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC), especially in areas ravaged by conflict and those historically underserved. UNFPA is leading the response to address maternal and newborn health (RH) needs in Yemen, delivering critical services, emergency care, and essential reproductive health supplies through a network of supported healthcare facilities nationwide.

Maternal & Newborn Health Interventions in Yemen

The Maternal and Newborn Health Services (RH) project represents a central pillar of the humanitarian health effort in Yemen. Its primary objective is to address unmet reproductive health requirements and guarantee access to superior maternal, newborn, and family planning services. This initiative specifically targets populations most vulnerable – those impacted by conflict, residing in remote locations, and facing systemic disadvantages.

A key strategy for enhancing maternal and newborn survival rates involves bolstering the capacity of health facilities to provide both Basic (BEmONC) and Comprehensive (CEmONC) Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. The project focuses on ensuring safe motherhood, preventing complications during childbirth, and ultimately reducing both maternal and neonatal mortality rates. UNFPA currently stands as the sole provider of life-saving maternal and newborn health medicines within the country.

Project Implementation & Geographic Expansion

Since January 2019, DEEM for Development Organization, with financial backing from UNFPA, has been actively implementing maternal and newborn health services for communities affected by the ongoing conflict. The project’s reach has steadily expanded over the years, demonstrating a commitment to reaching those most in need.

In 2021, MNHS-RH services were initially deployed across 14 health facilities (HF) within Taiz Governorate, comprising 4 CEmONC facilities and 10 BEmONC facilities. Implementation continued in 2022, focusing on 10 HF in Taiz, with a configuration of 2 CEmONC and 8 BEmONC centers. The project demonstrated growth in 2023, extending its coverage to 13 HF spanning both Taiz and Al Hudaydah Governorates (2 CEmONC, 11 BEmONC).

Continued Growth & Focus on Vulnerable Populations

Building on previous successes, the project further broadened its scope in 2024 to encompass 15 HF (6 CEmONC and 9 BEmONC) across Taiz, Ibb, and Al Dhale’e Governorates. This expansion prioritizes districts that are hosting significant numbers of internally displaced persons and populations directly impacted by the conflict. This targeted approach ensures that assistance reaches those facing the greatest challenges in accessing essential maternal and newborn healthcare.