Geneva, January 19 (QNA) - The United Nations warned on Monday of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen as a result of funding cuts.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, said that gains achieved in combating malnutrition and improving health services are at risk of being reversed, describing the situation as deeply concerning amid expectations that conditions could worsen significantly in 2026.
Harneis stressed that economic collapse, the disruption of basic services, including health and education, and ongoing political uncertainty are among the main drivers of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen. He noted a decline in funding traditionally provided by Western countries, while hopes for increased support from Yemen's neighboring states remain limited.
The United States has reduced its aid spending this year, while major Western donors have scaled back assistance as they shift priorities toward higher defense spending, leading to a funding crisis for the United Nations.
Harneis added that projections point to a further deterioration in food security across Yemen, with malnutrition rates expected to rise. He warned that the humanitarian crisis could pose regional risks through the spread of cross-border communicable diseases such as measles and polio.
According to UN estimates, around 21 million people in Yemen will require humanitarian assistance this year, up from 19.5 million last year. (QNA)