Barran Press
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced that more than 1.43 million families in Yemen have received cash assistance as part of an unconditional cash transfer project funded by the World Bank and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Social Fund for Development.
In a statement published on its website, which was reviewed by "Barran Press," UNICEF reported that approximately $62.5 million has been disbursed during the current cash transfer cycle, which runs until mid-October. This assistance aims to provide a safety net for around 9.2 million individuals from the most impoverished and vulnerable families.
The organization noted that cash assistance is typically provided at distribution points, through mobile teams, home delivery services, or via a pilot electronic wallet program, which serves as the sole source of income for many families.
With another cash distribution cycle scheduled for December, the transfers are expected to address urgent needs such as food costs, healthcare expenses, and repayment of debts related to food purchases and medical bills, according to the statement.
Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s representative in Yemen, emphasized, “Cash assistance is a vital lifeline for millions of vulnerable individuals in urgent need of support. We hope that this direct cash aid will meet the most pressing needs of entire families.”
UNICEF also highlighted that the current 18th cash transfer cycle is the first unconditional cash transfer implemented nationwide this year. Families will receive their basic entitlements along with a 50% increase.
The organization reiterated that over 80% of Yemen's population lives in poverty, exacerbated by economic decline and inflation, making it increasingly difficult for millions of families to afford basic necessities, including food, fuel, and water.
Additionally, UNICEF pointed out that the ongoing cholera outbreak and recent flooding in some areas pose further challenges for individuals already in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
UNICEF began its cash transfer project in Yemen in August 2017, aiming to provide cash assistance to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable families, totaling approximately 9 million individuals.