Japan supports UNICEF’s programmes in Yemen
The Source: SANA'A\Hadhramaut\Saba - Friday -21/March/2014
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The Government of Japan has announced significant new funding to support UNICEF’s programmes for women and children in Yemen.
In a press release UNICEF Yemen office, this is the third year that the Government of Japan has contributed to UNICEF's humanitarian efforts in support of children and women affected by the ongoing conflicts across the country.
“Japan’s new assistance could not be more timely,” said UNICEF Yemen Representative Mr Julien Harneis. “UNICEF will be able to scale up its response in the areas of nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, as well as education and child protection.”
The situation in Yemen remains precarious with an estimated 58 per cent of the population – or approximately 14.7 million people – undergoing a humanitarian crisis and needing assistance in 2014.
“Despite recent gains made on the political front, Yemen continues to be beleaguered by a struggling economy, underdevelopment; challenging political transition and volatile security,” Mr Harneis added. “The most vulnerable population – and this includes children – remains cut off from help in insecure areas in the country.”
Inadequate primary health care services have left an estimated 7,500 children infected with vaccine preventable diseases.
Thousands of children are malnourished, and their plight is worsened by the poor sanitation conditions and lack of access to safe water across the country. More than 250,000 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), heightening their risk of dying from complications if not treated. The risk of outbreaks resulting from water borne diseases remains high.
“The Government of Japan has been focusing on alleviation of suffering of women and children in Yemen. We hope this new contribution will help UNICEF and the Yemeni Government better prepare the environment for people in need,” said Ambassador of Japan Mr Katsuyoshi Hayashi.
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