Photo: Hasan and his children in front of the shack he built. Action Against Hunger
As Yemen enters its fourth year of war, 22 million people ─ more than 80 percent of the population ─ are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Nearly 10,000 people have lost their lives and millions of others have been uprooted as a result of the conflict between Al Houthi forces and government forces supported by an international coalition. The conflict has contributed to the collapse of the economy and basic services, as well as an elevated risk of famine and a massive cholera epidemic. Today, living conditions in Yemen are tougher than ever, and more than 8.4 million people are on the brink of starvation. Learn more here.
HASAN’S STORY
34-year-old Hasan’s nickname is the “loyal man.” Our emergency response team met the father of five in a small shack built with his own hands on a field in the district of Al-Garrahi; he is one of many displaced by the ravages of war around the villages, trying to regain some semblance of a normal life.
Before the war began, Hasan and his wife Sumaya lived with their children in the town of Mukhaa. Hasan sold vegetables in a grocery store, and Sumaya cared for their home and their children. When conflict reached their village, they left their home behind to stay with relatives a few miles away.
The conflict in Yemen has caused an extreme shortage of food, fuel, and medicines. Hospitals and health centers are completely dependent on generators to operate medical machines and provide services. Frequent power losses and lack of supplies and staff means very low quality of care in many places—too often resulting in tragedy for patients and their families.
“Sumaya always gave birth at home, but when she was nine months pregnant, I took her to a healthcare center because there seemed to be something wrong with the baby,” said Hasan. “There was not enough specialized medical staff and there were several power cuts during the birth. They could not save her or the baby.”
Hasan and his children were forced to move again and settle further away from the conflict. Supporting the needs of a family of six is difficult in times of crisis: companies are closing and job offers are few and far between, explains Hasan.
“My neighbors call me the ‘Loyal Man’ because, after Sumaya died, I decided that I would devote myself to my children and play the role of mother and father at the same time. I have looked everywhere for work, without success. We are able to survive thanks to the support of our neighbors and aid from humanitarian organizations.”
With your ongoing support, Hasan and his family, like 500 others, have received a basic kit of essential items including soap and blankets. They have also received financial aid to buy food and other survival needs.
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