Yemen Impact Report 2023 | Islamic Relief Canada

Our Work in Yemen

Assalamu Alaikum,

For over 24 million people in Yemen, fear, worry, hunger, and grief is their daily reality. Every day, millions of families have to make an impossible decision between feeding their starving children or accessing the life-saving medicine they so desperately need.

Because of generous donors, the Canadian government and the support of the Canadian community, they have another chance.

Islamic Relief has been able to continue its life-saving work in Yemen, a country that is often forgotten yet classified as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Across the year, we have provided vital aid in various ways, from food support and rehabilitating water sources to sponsoring orphans and providing healthcare services. We are grateful for your endless support which has fueled our work and allowed us to make an impact in Yemen.

Thanks to you, we have reached over one million individuals in Yemen to date!

Your support is so often the gift of life itself, and we take special care to reach those who are most at risk. We’ve seen with our own eyes how their lives have been uplifted and transformed by what you give.

Thank you for your support. We cannot do any of this without you!

Sincerely,

Warmest

Regards, Usama Khan CEO, Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief in Yemen

Islamic Relief began working in Yemen in 1998 and registered our office in the country in 2003. Islamic Relief Yemen’s office is in the capital city, Sana’a, with 8 field offices in Dhamar, Amran, Aden, Taiz, Hodeida, Sa’ada, Marib and Raymah. We have over 300 staff and 3,000 volunteers!

Following an escalation in conflict in March 2015, we significantly strengthened our programming within the country. To date, Islamic Relief Canada has made a significant impact in Yemen by aiding approximately one million individuals across various sectors, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), livelihood, health and nutrition, food security (including our seasonal Ramadan and Qurbani programs), and protection support.

As one of the UN World Food Programme’s biggest partners, the global Islamic Relief family has provided essential support to over 2.5 million people every month. In the past, our efforts encompassed distributing essential supplies like food and medical provisions, including kidney dialysis solutions. We’ve also provided essential living items such as blankets and mattresses to assist families during the winter months and our response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which involved setting up an isolation center furnished with vital medicines, supplies, and equipment.

To date, Islamic Relief Canada has received substantial support of $7,000,000 from the Government of Canada to bolster our initiatives in Yemen!

WHERE WE WORK

• Sana’a

• Amanat Alasemah

• Aden

• Dhamar

• Taiz

• Amran

• Al-Hodeidah

• Marrib

• Sada’a

• Al Dale’e

Summary of Our Impact

Sana’a Governorate

Our ongoing projects include emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), food security, and livelihood initiatives in the Sana’a governorate. We rehabilitate public water sources to make them functional, distribute hygiene kits, and carry out cash for work activities for 250 households.

Amran & Al-Hodeidah Governorate

We provide WASH, food security, and livelihood assistance to communities affected by conflict in the Amran governorate. Our contributions have also extended to improving access to lifesaving health services in Amran & AlHodeidah governorates by targeting four hospitals and providing them with essential medicine and health equipment.

Furthermore, we started a new project that adopts an ignite village approach. This project targets 400 households from the most crisis-affected communities in four villages within the AlHodeidah governorate. The objective is to empower these communities by implementing livelihood activities and providing sustainable income resources.

Al Dale’e Governorate In the Al Dale’e governorate, we support 940 households with cashbased food assistance. This is provided over six rounds to help them attain their monthly nutritional and health requirements in accordance with the minimum food basket standards set by the food security and agriculture clusters.

Orphan Sponsorship Program

Our Orphan Sponsorship Program, sustained by the generosity of Islamic Relief Canada donors, currently sponsors 1,691 orphans across Yemen! This program currently supports orphans in Aden, Al Hawta, Lahej, Saa’da, Sanaa, and Taiz, through a quarterly cash transfer program to the orphan’s guardian.

With Islamic Relief’s oneto-one sponsorship model, your donation continuously goes to the same orphan, allowing for long-term change. This means our orphans are given the opportunity they deserve to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Crisis Background

The ongoing crisis in Yemen began with the 2012 revolution against the country’s former President. With the new government and opposing rebel groups backed by rival countries, escalating violence has become the norm and continues to ravage the nation and its 30.5 million citizens.

Violence, high tension, and blockades have increased food insecurity, socioeconomic instability, health risks, and famine. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains one of the worst in the world. After years of continuous war, millions of people are hungry, ill, destitute, and vulnerable.

In Yemen, 18 million people lack access to safe water and sanitation, 17.9 million lack access to adequate healthcare, and 5 million are on the brink of famine. With the conflict continuing to wreak havoc, women and children are left vulnerable to heightened violence and food insecurity.

Islamic Relief Canada Projects in Yemen

Islamic Relief Canada has been working in Yemen to help reach vulnerable communities through both our immediate humanitarian response and ongoing sustainable humanitarian aid. We work efficiently to ensure the most vulnerable have access to food, clean water, shelter, and basic services such as education, sanitation, and healthcare. When the cameras leave, we are still on the ground, rebuilding communities and helping them recover from tragedy.

Humanitarian Response Projects

Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Livelihood Support

This emergency response project comprised two integrated sectors, WASH and livelihood assistance, in the Al Haymah Ad Dakhiliyah district in Sana’a governorate. Through this project, we have rehabilitated 3 out of 15 nonfunctional public water sources and provided hygiene kits and awareness-raising sessions. To help rights-holders make a dignified livelihood, we have provided employment opportunities to 250 households through short-term cash for work activities.

Project start date

January 1, 2021

Project end date

October 31, 2022

Rights-holders reached: 14,287 individuals

Emergency Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene & Food Security and Livelihood Response

GAC Funded Project

This project aims to reduce the suffering whilst maintaining the human dignity of conflict-affected internally displaced people and host communities. In the Al Dhale’e and Dhamar governorates, this project works to improve access to clean water, emergency food needs, and dignified livelihoods.

We are rehabilitating and repairing four water systems by upgrading them to solar power to minimize the negative environmental impacts and ensure a long-term supply of clean water. It ensures accessibility by extending the water piping system and establishing gender and disabilityfriendly water points close to houses with privacy and adequate lighting. This project conducts cleaning campaigns and solid waste management awareness sessions to encourage environmental awareness. Hygiene kits, which include chlorine tablets, soap bars for hand washing, washing powder, and water containers, are also distributed to the communities in need.

We work to meet the immediate food and essential living needs of households by providing unconditional cash assistance to internally displaced persons and host community households. These are primarily given to female-headed households and households with persons with special needs. The project additionally has cashfor-work opportunities, and some households are given agricultural tools to support their access to food.

Location

Al Dhale’e and Al Hussein districts (Al Dhale’e Governorate), Utmah and Jabal Ash sharq districts (Dhamar Governorate)

Project start date

April 26, 2021

Project end date

October 26, 2023

Rights-holders to reach upon completion: 35,868 individuals

Second Response of Integrated Emergency Outreach Services for Acutely Malnourished Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women

This project supported community-based management of acute malnutrition and infant and young child feeding in 45 health facilities across Al-Hodeidah. The goal of this project was to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition in children under five and pregnant and lactating women. We provided supplementary feeding to these vulnerable groups to combat acute malnutrition.

We made health facilities and services more accessible by providing monthly outreach services where health workers and volunteers provided:

• Nutrition screening

• Immunization

• Vitamin A supplementation

• Deworming

• Zinc supplementation hygiene promotion

• Treatment of minor illnesses

• Pre and post-natal services

This project supported the referral mechanisms of severely malnourished cases with medical complications to nearby stabilization centers, ensuring those most in need received tailored support. Additionally, we distributed essential medicine, supplies, and equipment to health facilities.

Location

Al-Hodeidah Governorate

Project start date

October 1, 2021

Project end date

January 31, 2023

Rights-holders reached: 56,236 individuals

Life-saving Emergency Response through Cash Assistance

The project aims to improve the food security of conflictaffected and vulnerable communities in the Al Hussein areas of Yemen’s Al Dale’e governorate.

This will be achieved by providing cash-based food assistance to 940 households. This assistance is provided over six rounds to ensure rights-holders can purchase monthly food needs and living essentials. This project helps save lives, alleviate suffering, and preserve human dignity. We aim to reduce the vulnerability of families in these regions, particularly women and children.

Location

Al Hussein districts in Al Dale’e Governorate

Project start date

January 1, 2023

Project end date

December 31, 2023

Rights-holders to reach upon completion: 6,580 individuals

Long-Term Projects

Secondary Health Care in Four District Hospitals

This project aims to improve access to lifesaving health services, including secondary healthcare, among vulnerable populations in Amran and Al-Hodeidah governorates.

Through this project, we support four hospitals, each serving one district and nearby internally displaced persons sites. Additionally, this project aims to tackle high morbidity and mortality rates from preventable diseases, especially for mothers and children.

Supported health activities include:

• Medical consultations and advanced curative services, including internal medicine and reproductive health (e.g. caesareans)

• Weekly outreach services to nearby internally displaced persons sites (via mobile outreach health teams)

• Essential medicine and health equipment procurement and distribution

• Operational support as needed (e.g. fuel provision, oxygen refills, etc.)

• Minor hospital rehabilitation where needed

• Training of healthcare workers on infection, prevention and control measures

• Supporting monthly sessions on Joint Supportive Technical Supervision

Location

Al-Hodeidah Governorate (Al-Zuhra district) and Amran Governorate (As-Sawd district, As-Sudah district and Al-Asha district

Project start date

December 1, 2021

Project end date

November 30, 2024

Rights-holders to reach upon completion: 325,446 individuals

IGNITE VILLAGE Business Creation

The project is designed with an Ignite Village approach to implementing livelihood activities in the Bit Alfaqeh district. The approach focuses on supporting these communities to become self-sustaining by providing them with resources and training in various livelihood areas such as agriculture, beekeeping, livestock, and entrepreneurship.It aims to improve the livelihoods of 400 households comprising a total of 2,800 individuals.

The project will help 598 women, 622 men, 714 girls, and 866 boys from the most crisis-affected communities in four villages in the Al-Hodeidah governorate. The project provides them with sustainable income resources by creating sustainable and dignified livelihoods.

We are providing 400 households with a comprehensive package of business skills and technical training on agriculture, beekeeping, livestock and/or entrepreneurship. Following that, Islamic Relief will supply the necessary livelihood resources, such as agriculture tools, beehives, livestock, poultry hatching equipment and more to trained farmers in order for them to start new businesses or expand their current ones.

The households will get three months of mentorship, coaching, and advisory services from external technical specialists throughout the development of their businesses to assist them in project sustainability.

Islamic Relief is also committed to rehabilitating four water sources by,

• Upgrading to solar systems

• Connecting drip irrigation networks to wells

• Installing water pumps which improve water sources and access

This project prioritizes internally displaced people, persons with disabilities, female-headed households, widows, and other marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Location

Al-Hodeidah Governorate (Bit Alfaqeh district)

Project start date

December 1, 2022

Project end date

February 28, 2026

Rights-holders to reach upon completion: 2,800 individuals

Seasonal Projects 2022 & 2023

Ramadan Food Distributions

Every year during the month of Ramadan, Islamic Relief Canada undertakes the distribution of food packs and food vouchers across several locations in Yemen.

These food packs consisted of local essentials, such as wheat flour, rice, sugar, wheat grains, salt, vegetable oil, dates, tomato sauce and pasta. In 2022, each food pack weighed approximately 61 kg, while the food voucher held a value of around $54 USD. This supplementary food assistance was designed to cater to families’ sustenance needs throughout the entire month of Ramadan, offering crucial support in fulfilling their nutritional requirements.

In 2023, each food pack weighed approximately 88kg, while the food voucher held a value of around $91 USD. With the rising food prices and increased cost of living, people are struggling more than ever to afford staple food items. Our team took this into consideration when planning 2023’s Ramadan food packs. Islamic Relief provided 23 kg more of food to families, helping them enjoy warm meals for the entire month of Ramadan.

Location

Amanat Al Asimah, Sana’a, Amran, Dhamar, Sadda, Aden, Ta’iz, Marib

Project start date

March 1, 2022

Project end date

May 1, 2022

Rights-holders reached: 15,333 individuals

Location

San’a, Aden, Dhamar, Taiz, Sad’dah, Amran, Marib Governorates

Project start date

March 1, 2023

Project end date

May 1, 2023

Rights-holders to reach upon completion: 82,495 individuals

2022 Ramadan Food Distributions

2023 Ramadan Food Distributions

Seasonal Projects 2022 & 2023

Eid Al Fitr Gifts for Children

Our Eid gifts project aims to offer donors a seamless way to share in the happiness, celebration, and festive spirit of Eid Al-Fitr with the people of Yemen.

This initiative stands out due to its distinctive fusion of charitable contributions and the act of gift-giving, both of which hold significant importance during the Eid season. Islamic Relief Canada distributed Eid gift packs consisting of new clothes and clothing vouchers to orphans and other vulnerable children in Yemen, embodying the essence of the occasion.

2022 Eid Al Fitr Gifts for Children

Location Sana’a Governorate

Project start date March 1, 2022

Project end date May 1, 2022

Rights-holders reached: 492 individuals

2023 Eid Al Fitr Gifts for Children

Location Aden City

Project start date March 1, 2023

Project end date May 1, 2023

Rights-holders reached: 719 individuals

Seasonal Projects 2022 &

2023

Qurbani Meat Distributions

As part of the second Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha, Islamic Relief facilitates its Qurbani project to encourage those who can afford it to fulfill their religious obligation of sacrifice and donate their dedicated Qurbani animal to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. It allows those who cannot afford meat to receive the nutritional benefit of an Islamic Relief Qurbani Meat Packet.

In 2022, each meat packet distributed contained 4 kg of fresh, high-quality meat on average, a sufficient amount of meat to feed a family of four for one week. 5,606 households were reached, including 20,249 men and 18,994 women. In 2023, each meat packet distributed contained 5-7 kg of fresh, high-quality meat on average.

Qurbani Meat Distributions 2022

Location

Sana’a, Amran, Dhamar, Taiz, Sada’a, Marib, and Adan

Project start date

June 20, 2022

Project end date

August 20, 2022

Rights-holders reached: 39,243 individuals

Qurbani Meat Distributions 2023

Location

Sana’s, Taiz, Aden, Dhamar, Sa’ada, Amran, Marib, Al-Hodeidah Governorates

Project start date

June 1, 2023

Project end date

August 1, 2023

Rights-holders reached: 5,100 individuals

Story Highlight

Mahdi Ahmed Nasser

44 years old, sole breadwinner of his family

Supported by the Second Response of Integrated Emergency Outreach Services for Acutely Malnourished Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women project

“I live in the Al-luheyah district with my family. I have 3 young children ages 6 to 10, with my oldest being my son, Muhanad.

Muhanad has been suffering from severe infections and Malaria, caused by the persisting hot and humid weather in our village. We do not have access to health services or medicines nearby so we have been traveling 20 kilometers to reach the nearest hospital for his treatment.”

Learning about Islamic Relief’s involvement in supporting emergency health services at the nearest health facility, Mahdi thought he would drop by and see if he could receive support for his sick son.

“This facility used to be closed most of the time due to limited resources but now they’re able to open their doors to the public for extended hours. On my first visit after these changes were made, they were able to provide us with the required medication for my Muhanad’s illness.”

As any parent dreams of their kid’s optimal health and wellbeing, Mahdi shares, “One of the happiest moments of my life was when my son recovered and went back to his old happy self. It was very difficult to see my son be sick for so long, and to not be able to help him or buy him the medicine he needs. But now we have a reliable health facility to help us in case anyone else gets sick.”

Dr. Ahlam Al-Regaili

Revolutionizing Maternity Care in Al-Sudah Remote Hospital

Supported by Secondary Health Care in Four District Hospitals project

It has been over 7 months since Dr. Ahlam Al-Regaili joined Al-Sudah Remote Hospital, and the impact she has had is nothing short of miraculous. Dr. Ahlam shared that she loves her work as an obstetrician, “It brings me immense happiness to care for my patients and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery for them.”

Before the intervention of Islamic Relief, the hospital struggled to provide primary healthcare services, let alone specialized maternity care. This is no longer the case as the hospital has been transformed into a high-quality healthcare hub delivering secondary healthcare services such as operations, surgery and emergency care.

This transformation now enables Dr. Ahlam to perform complex procedures like cesarean sections with ease. She began providing vital antenatal and postnatal care, reducing the chances of complications during pregnancy and childbirth for her patients.

Dr. Ahlam recalls a memorable case, “A 17 year old pregnant woman arrived at the hospital at 2 am in critical condition, having endured a difficult pregnancy and being turned away from other hospitals due to their lack of resources. Her health condition was deeply concerning due to her young age and the fact that she was carrying twins.”

“My team and I were able to prepare the operating room and perform life-saving surgery for the mom and her twins. I was so happy and relieved when I saw them alive and healthy.”

This delivery success story is just one example of the lifesaving impact your donations make in the lives of people in remote communities. Because of you, hospitals like Al-Sudah Remote Hospital can provide vital medical care, improving health outcomes for mothers and children.

Story Highlight

Fatima Mohammed Al Mansour

30 year old mother of 4 children

Supported by Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Livelihood Support project

Residing in Bani Mansour village, Fatima and her family faced many challenges in accessing clean water and maintaining proper hygiene practices. This all changed when the Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Livelihood Support project was implemented in her district.

This project included water source rehabilitation, solar power installation, distribution of water pipes, and provision of water points. It also established water management committees and provided training on operation and maintenance. Overall, it helped reach nearly 3,000 people in Fatima’s village.

Fatima shares, “We used to walk 3-4 hours to fetch water from a distant well which was contaminated with bacteria. We had no choice but to use it for drinking and cooking.” She added “The installation of water points near our homes saved us a lot of time and effort. We no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water, now we just spend 5-6 minutes fetching water.”

Under this project, Islamic Relief conducted 120 hygiene sessions and distributed 750 hygiene kits to promote hygiene practices and protect against COVID-19 and cholera. Fatima expressed her gratitude saying, “We learned how important it is to wash our hands regularly especially during this pandemic. We also learned how to maintain proper sanitation practices which have helped us stay healthy for longer periods of time.”

Taking part in the water management committee, Fatima shares, “We are now able to manage our water supply efficiently. We have learned how to maintain the pumps and pipelines which will ensure that we can continue to access clean water long after the Islamic Relief team leaves.”

Whether it’s supporting hospitals to provide quality health care services, pregnant women receiving lifesaving surgery, or entire villages to access clean and potable water for life – your generosity has touched the lives of thousands in Yemen and shown them that they are not alone.

Thank You

Thank you for your continued support and kindness for the world’s most vulnerable.

We are proud to say that the projects Islamic Relief has been implementing in Yemen are not limited to immediate aid but also provide sustainable solutions that enhance life permanently for the people we serve.

But we could not have done any of this without your generous support!