nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
On 6 October, one woman was killed and 12 civilians injured, including eight children, in a shelling incident that occurred at the Bani Jaber internally displaced person camp in Al Khawkhah district. The survivors were treated in a field hospital in Al Mukha in Taizz Governorate and assistance was provided to families who had sought safety in the camp. The attack on the IDP site was condemned by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen who stressed that there is no conceivable justification for what is happening to civilians in Yemen.
According to the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project, hostilities in Al Hudaydah increased following the attack on a Saudi Arabian oil tanker in the Red Sea in late July. Late July also recorded the highest weekly total of conflict incidents recorded in Al Hudaydah since December 2017. Ongoing conflict in Al Hudaydah Governorate continues to result in further displacement and disrupt access to basic services and humanitarian operations. According to the International Organization for Migration  ( IOM ) , approximately 345,204 individuals were displaced between 1 June and 7 August. 1,393 households were displaced between 29 July and 7 August alone. Most households displaced by the recent offensive are hosted within the governorates of Amanat Al Asimah and Al Hudaydah. Field reports suggest that some civilian reentries to Al Hudaydah are observed but are most often limited to heads of households and business owners.
Al Hudaydah: On 26, 27 and 28 July, airstrikes occurred near a reproductive health centre and public laboratory in Al Hudaydah and hit and damaged a sanitation facility in Zabid and a water station, which supplies the majority of the water to Hudaydah City. On 29 July, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande issued a statement warning that civilians are at extreme risk from airstrikes in Al Hudaydah Governorate where an unstoppable epidemic of cholera could be triggered should water and sanitation system breakdown. As of 29 July, some 30,647 displaced households  ( HH )  from Al Hudaydah Governorate have been assisted through the rapid response mechanism  ( RRM )  out of a total of 39,995 HHs registered.
Sa'ada: On 24 July, UNICEF issued a statement condemning an attack on a water facility in Sa'ada which destroyed more than half of the project, cutting off 10,500 people from safe drinking water. Education partners report that reconstruction works of three schools in Saqayn, Sahar and Kitaf Wa Al Boqe'e districts are almost complete and reconstruction of three additional schools in Saqayn and Majz districts is expected to start shortly. UNICEF reports having assessed the need to repair wash facilities in 60 schools in Sa'ada and Al Jawf governorates. As of 29 July, 17 displaced HHs from Al Hudaydah Governorate have been assisted through the rapid response mechanism  ( RRM )  out of a total of 30 HHs registered. An increased number of suspected measles cases is reported in Al Jawf due to the low vaccination coverage.
Ibb: On 24 July, WHO delivered 20 motorbikes for the Rapid Response Teams in Ibb Governorate and four motorbikes for Taizz Governorate. In addition, a shipment of supplies to support 2,000 dialysis sessions was sent to the renal dialysis center in Al Thawrah hospital in Ibb. During the reporting period, armed conflict intensified, although field reports referred to the civilian movement up to the proximity of Al Barh area as normal. Indiscriminate shelling reportedly targeted the residential neighbourhoods inside and outside Taizz City. Casualties among civilians including children reported, figures are not confirmed. As of 29 July, 1,961 displaced HHs from Al Hudaydah Governorate have been assisted through the rapid response mechanism  ( RRM )  out of a total of 4,686 HHs registered.
The UK, US, France, Iran and all others contributing to the conflict in Yemen must use their influence to bring about an immediate and permanent end to the violence. We call on the countries funding and fuelling the war to ensure that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected from attack, and that humanitarian aid is allowed to reach those who need it.'
The situation in Hodeidah City is calm, but tense, as diplomatic talks continue between warring parties, with heavy clashes ongoing in districts south of the city. Airstrikes, mortar fire, missiles and shelling continue to kill, injure and threaten the safety of civilian populations, particularly in At Tuhayat and Zabid districts.
The latest reports indicate that while inflation on food, fuel and other basic items remains exceptionally high across Yemen, prices have not risen dramatically over the last month, with notable exception of hygiene and sanitation items. The price of women's sanitary items has risen by more than 15% since May, creating major challenges for women in already challenging circumstances, many of whom are without access to clean water.
Yemen's Protection Cluster reported severe damage to the main water tanks in Al Tuhayet district earlier this month, leaving close to 100,000 people without safe water and at heightened risk of communicable diseases.
Between January to October 2018, FSA Cluster partners assisted an average of 7.4 million individuals with regular monthly emergency food assistance  ( in kind, cash transfers, & voucher transfers ) . By the end of October 2018, a cumulative total of almost 1.6 million people benefited from livelihoods assistance  ( 1.4 million people assisted with rapid emergency agricultural, livestock & fisheries kits; and around 115,000 people provided with longer term livelihoods support ) .
From January to October 2018, the Health Cluster partners provided over 9.5 million consultations through more than 2,200 supported health facilities. 477,211 children under age 1 year received Penta 3 vaccine, while 192,733 deliveries were assisted by skilled birth attendants. Additionally, 29,100 trauma cases were treated, and 12,935 mental health consultations were provided by the health workers. More than 828,235 women received antenatal care and more than 12,000 health staff were trained on Minimum Service Package, while 1,350 midwives were trained on safe motherhood.
Against a backdrop of significant a necessity to prevent and control the spread of cholera and Acute Watery Diarrhea  ( AWD )  and to prevent/reduce malnutrition, WASH needs are exacerbated by the hostilities in Al Hudaydah that caused a significant disruption in services as well as population displacement. Amidst this challenging environment, over 11 million people depend on the piped water network and 4 million people depend on the private water sector. Over 4 million people live in areas affected by Cholera/AWD. Breaks in public services provision due to insecurity has impacted access and infrastructure, and has increased emergency WASH needs especially for the populations in Al Hudaydah and surrounding governorates
Widespread violations of international humanitarian law  ( IHL )  and international humanitarian rights law  ( IHRL )  by parties to the conflict pose an ongoing threat to the life and safety of civilians, resulting in loss of life, displacement and destruction of infrastructure. The protracted nature of the conflict particularly affects women, children and people with specific needs, whose vulnerability is exacerbated, and they need to resort to negative coping mechanisms as means of survival. As grave violations of children's rights continue to occur, support to affected children is critical, as is mine risk education. GBV incidents have risen significantly and require multi sectoral responses.
Despite gaps in funding and serious operational constraints to protection, as of October 2018, Protection Cluster partners have reached 63,357 people with life saving protection services such as psychosocial support, legal assistance and protection, as well as clinical care for survivors. 739,448 people were reached through monitoring of protection and IHL/IHRL. Over 1.2 million children and community members received information to protect them against mines and unexploded ordnances. Community based responses continue to be strengthened through community based protection network volunteers, community protection initiatives and community centers serving the needs of IDPs and conflict affected populations.
An estimated 7.5 million people need nutrition assistance, of whom 2.9 million people will require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2018. This includes 1.8 million children under age 5 and 1.1 million pregnant and lactating women  ( PLW ) . Approximately 2.3 million PLW and caretakers of children aged 0 23 months will require infant and young child feeding  ( IYCF )  counselling. Main challenges faced by nutrition partners include bureaucratic and administrative impediments, non payment of salaries to health workers, access constraints and the limited number of community health workers in the country.
The large scale conflict in Al Hudaydah triggered displacement. New waves of displacement continued to be generated from the frontline districts of Sa'adah, Al Jawf and Al Bayda, resulting in increased vulnerability to the affected population as the coping mechanisms of the families continue to be eroded. Lack of access due to security constraints continue to plague the response.
Disruption to payments of salaries to teachers in 13 governorates continues to jeopardise the provision of education. Displacement affects the education system, as teachers and students are displaced, and schools are used by IDPs as shelter. There is an urgent need to support schools in districts with high severity of needs, through school repairs, provision of essential learning supplies, hygiene education, school feeding and other education related support.
Current estimates indicate that 3.3 million people are displaced across the country. 81 percent are protracted caseload of households displaced for more than one year. The increase resulted by the continued conflict in the country particularly in the Western coastal areas in addition to the recent natural disasters. IDP hosting sites also increased with current number reported reaching 1,228 sites providing accommodation for 0.3 million IDPs. IDPs living in hosting sites, which are sites of last resort, are considered as the most vulnerable due to the limited alternatives available.
During the month, the fighting escalated inside and around Al Hudaydah City putting higher risk for people's lives and imposed more restrictions on the movement of people and humanitarian agencies from and to the city. Large scale displacement movement reported in Abs district for families fleeing frontline locations in Haradh, Hayran and Midi districts where fighting intensified mainly in the villages of Haradh district such as Al Sheab where all its population have left their village to safer locations.
A joint team formed with participation of NRC, DRC, ADO  ( Abs Development Foundation )  and NAMCHA to constitute one list for the newly displaced persons and perform a verification exercise in a coordinated manner. The final consolidated list of IDPs indicated the needs of 5,500 IDP families for shelter assistance.
Fighting in the conflict frontlines mainly Al Hudaydah City, Damt district in Al Dhale'e governorate and Al Qabbaytah district in Lahj governorate continue to generate new displacements for hundreds of families into locations such as Al Mukha district, Khawkhah district, Al Qabbaytah surrounding areas/villages and to some schools in Al Dhale'e City and Aden City.
NFIs distribution completed by UNHCR through JAAHD  ( Jeel Albena Association for Humanitarian Development )  for 3,332 families and EESKs  ( Enhanced Emergency Shelter Kits )  for 1,807 families in Alluheyah, Az Zuhrah and Bajil districts. The distribution targeted families who fled their homes as a result of the latest armed conflict escalated in Al Hudaydah city. The Cluster prep positioned emergency stocks played a key role in the swift response to the displacement in timely manner and improved the living condition of the families assisted.
NFI distribution completed by UNHCR through SHS for 102 families in Bayhan district  ( Shabwah ) , 216 families in Al Mukalla district  ( Hadramaut )  and 230 families in Sayun district and 43 families in Ghayl Ba Wazir district. SHS also assisted 500 families affected by Luban Cyclone in Al Ghaydah, Qishn, Huswain, Al Masilah and Sayhut districts in Al Maharah governorate. UNHCR through SHS, HYAC, and NRC distributed EESKs to 112 families in Khaled Ibn Al Waleed Collective Center in Dar Sa'd district  ( Aden ) , 48 families in Al Sha'b IDP hosting site in Al Buraiqeh district  ( Aden ) , 170 families in Saber IDP hosting site while NFI distributions targeted 456 families in Tuban district  ( Lahj )  and 305 families in Khanfir district and 122 families in Zingibar district  ( Abyan ) .
In Taizz, the fighting intensified in Hayfan, Maqbanah and the eastern part of Taizz City mainly Abar and Alsrmeen villages under Salh district while reports indicate that roads leading to south Taizz has been blocked several times which affected the movements in the roads. Partners reported high needs for the shelter assistance among the increasing number of families displaced from Al Hudaydah in the southern part of Taizz. In Ibb, SNCC joint field visit participated by WASH Cluster to assess the multi sectorial needs of Dhi As Sufal IDP hosting sites in Ibb governorate.
Military operations and airstrikes intensified in the western coastal areas of Yemen in November 2017, leading to the takeover of Al Khawkhah district by Government of Yemen  ( GoY )  forces.
NFIs distribution completed by NRC for 258 families/1,166 individuals  ( 282 men, 302 women, 294 boys and 288 girls )  in Ash Shamayatayn district and 467 families/2,204 individuals  ( 507 men, 543 women, 636 boys and 518 girls )  in Al Mawasit district. The families assisted were displaced from Al Hudaydah between June and August 2018 and currently living with host families.
WHO has managed to deliver 20 tons of life saving medicines and medical supplies to respond to rising number of injuries received by hospitals in Hudaydah.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, 1,032 suspected diphtheria cases have been reported in Yemen as of 10 February, with 64 associated deaths. The cases were reported in 161 districts in 20 governorates. The most affected governorates are Ibb  ( 407 )  and Al Hudaydah  ( 133 ) . Children under 5 years of age represent 30 per cent of probable cases and 47per cent of deaths. The proposed Penta/Td vaccination campaign strategy on 24 29 February will give priority to 38 districts with more than one case in the last 4 weeks. Currently, 2.5 million doses of Penta and three million of Td doses are available. This is not enough, and health partners are waiting for more.
Transfer of the cash assistance for rental subsides completed by UNHCR through YWU  ( Yemen Women Union )  for 1,503 IDP and host community families in Ibb governorate. Families assisted were already living in rented houses but they were unable to pay their accumulated rent payments due to their dire economic situation impacted by the limited livelihood opportunities and increased prices of basic commodities. Yaman organization also completed the transfer of the cash assistance for 200 families and targeted mainly vulnerable families with chronicle illnesses.
Al Thawrah Hospital received support from a number of Health Cluster partners. Mercy Corps is working through field monitors to ascertain the number of casualties and has a team of 21 health workers on standby to deploy is needed. WHO provided the hospital with three trauma kits A; three trauma kits B; and six Inter Agency Emergency Health Kits  ( IEHK ) , and ADRA provided drugs and medications. Another health actor provided the hospital with cholera drugs and medication.
The inter cluster assessment team that visited Qalansya District confirmed the critical need for WASH, food, non food items and health interventions. Needs, however, stem from pre existing vulnerabilities as no major impact resulted from the cyclone, except for limited damage to infrastructure.
NFI distribution completed by UNHCR through ADRA for 695 families in Dhamar and Amanat Al Asimah governorates and through YRCS  ( Yemen Red Crescent Society ) , 50 IDP and host community families were assisted in Dhi Bin, Iyal Surayh, Jabal Iyal Yazid, Amran City and Thula districts of Amran governorate.
On 1 June, the inter cluster assessment team visited Nowgd area  ( 115 Kms South of Hadibo ) . Astero, Badehola and Zahiq  ( located in the southern part of the island )  are the most affected locations that the team was able to visit. It is estimated that in these areas 90 per cent of the population are in need for food and WASH assistance and some 1,500 families require shelter and non food items.
Also according to the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the governorates most affected by the diphtheria outbreak are Ibb, Sana 'a, Al Hudaydah, Amanat Alsimah, Al Dhale'e, and Hajjah. The numbers of new reported cases are generally in line with those reported over the past months and are significantly lower than those observed since the peak of the outbreak in January 2018, when the number of probable cases identified approached or exceeded 100 cases per week.
The International Committee of the Red Cross  ( ICRC )  stated that 50 people were killed and 77 wounded, and that on August 9, Saada's al Talhhospital, which the ICRC supports, received the bodies of 29 children under age 15, and 48 people who were wounded, including 30 children.
Partners have registered over 7,300 displaced households from Al Hudaydah  ( 4,516 households in Taizz and 2,784 households in Ibb governorates ) , of which 3,430 have received rapid response assistance. During the reporting period, WHO delivered 5,000 dialysis kits to Al Thawrah hospital in Ibb. The hospital has 47 dialysis machines and treats around 180 patients a day. In Taizz, UNICEF has rehabilitated latrines in eight schools in Saber and Al Qahera districts, which 6,949 children  ( 4,493 boys and 2,456 girls )  attend.
Children continue to bear the brunt of the conflict in Yemen. At least 21 children  ( 13 boys; 8 girls )  were killed and 82  ( 51 boys; 31 girls )  injured in July. Four schools and one hospital were attacked. UNICEF reports that these cases were mainly in Taizz, Sa'ada, Al Hudaydah and Hajjah governorates. In Taizz, Sa'ada and Hajjah governorates, child casualties have increased by over 70 per cent when compared with June.
According to 2018 Humanitarian Needs Overview  ( HNO ) , around 18.7 million people are in need of humanitarian support of which around 5.4 million people needed emergency shelter, essential household items, and site management support as their basic needs become more acute. Many have been trapped in conflict affected locations and are at risk for living in damaged shelters and unfinished buildings. Their degree of resilience and positive coping mechanism have reduced due to the protracted nature of the conflict. The ability to provide their basic household needs have decreased due to the economic recession that left hundred thousands of Yemeni people unemployed. Salaries for health facility staff, teachers and other public sector workers go increasingly unpaid, leaving 1.25 million state employees and their 6.9 million dependents or nearly 30 per cent of the population without an income at a time of shortages and rising prices.
As of 1 August 2018, the Task Force for Population Movement  ( TFPM )  which is a Technical Working Group to the Inter Cluster Coordination Mechanism  ( ICCM )  has identified, 2,331,264 internally displaced persons  ( IDPs )   ( 388,544 households )  who have been displaced due to conflict and natural disasters since March 2015, dispersed across 22 governorates. The current number of displaced persons represent 7% of total Yemeni population based on Yemen's pre crisis population of 28,923,127 individuals. The majority of IDPs are living with host.
For the same period, the TFPM has identified 1,012,464 returnees  ( 168,744 households ) , across 22 governorates. The majority of returnees are residing in their original house of habitual residence.
“In the meantime, 11 million children across Yemen still need humanitarian assistance to survive, including nearly 400,000 who suffer from the most severe form of acute malnutrition and are at imminent risk of death.
Local health authorities report that an airstrike on 9 August killed 46 people and injured 75 others when it hit a bus carrying children in a market in Dhahyan, Majz District in Sa'ada Governorate. Most of the dead were children aged 10 to 13 years. The injured are receiving treatment in hospitals. The UN Secretary General and various humanitarian partners have condemned that attack. The Secretary General called for a prompt and independent investigation. UNICEF estimates that between March 2015 and June 2018, 2,398 children were killed in war in Yemen  ( 1,640 boys, 709 girls and 49 of unknown gender ) . Another 3,652 children were maimed  ( 2,674 boys and 978 girls ) .
An August 9 KSA led Coalition airstrike near Dahyan market in Sa'dah hit a school bus, resulting in at least 40 deaths  including at least 20 children aged 15 years and younger and injuring more than 60 people, OHCHR reports. Between late March 2015 and early August, the UN human rights body has documented nearly 17,100 civilian casualties including more than 6,500 deaths and nearly 10,500 injured persons with KSA led Coalition airstrikes resulting in nearly 10,500, or 60 percent, of the total casualties. Following the attack, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator  ( RC/HC )  for Yemen Lise Grande, and UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, as well as several INGOs, released statements condemning the incident and urging parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and the safety of civilians. UN Secretary General Guterres also called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Sporadic clashes occurred in and around Hodeidah city this week. On 10 December, an airstrike hit 400 meters from the World Food Programme office in Hodeidah City. Fighting, airstrikes, shelling continued south of Hodeidah city. On 12 December, the 22 May hospital was hit by artillery shells.
27 December 2018 ─ Al Sabeen Hospital in Sana'a has admitted many cholera patients over the last 2 years, including infants as young as 2 months. Many of them also suffer from acute malnutrition. At the peak of the cholera outbreak more than 150 patients a day were being admitted to Al Sabeen hospital with severe watery diarrhoea. Some 20% of the total were diagnosed with cholera.
Despite ongoing humanitarian food assistance the latest IPC analysis   covering December 2018 to January 2019   revealed 15.9 million people  ( 53% of the population )  faced food shortages. Of these, 17% of the population   about 5 million people   are classified as IPC Phase 4  ( Emergency ) , and 36%   10.8 million people   as IPC Phase 3  ( Crisis ) .
Sana'a's 22 May Hospital treats many internally displaced families. It, too, sees large numbers of patients with symptoms of cholera and children suffering medical complications as a result of malnutrition.
One cholera case was confirmed using a rapid test, among 160 suspected cholera/AWD cases  ( 43 girls, 53 boys, 37 women, and 27 men )  that were treated in Ibb through DTCs and ORPs as part of cholera response. IOM participated in a national measles vaccination campaign in Shabwah and Abyan Governorates during the reporting week and provided treatment and referral services for confirmed cases through its mobile health teams in the area. Focused psychosocial support services  ( PSS )  was provided to 219 children and their parents–including 11 girls, 68 boys, 24 women, and 116 men ) –through individual and group sessions conducted in Child Friendly Spaces  ( CFSs )  in Sana'a and Aden.
The International Organization for Migration's  ( IOM )  Displacement Tracking Matrix  ( DTM )  forecasts a 50 per cent year on year rise over 2017 in migrant arrivals to Yemen – with nearly 150,000 migrants expected to enter the country in 2018. This, despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen and deadly perils along migration routes across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Located at the cusp of two continents, Yemen historically has been an origin, transit and destination country of migrants. Today, an estimated 92 per cent of its incoming migrants are Ethiopian nationals, with Somalis accounting for the rest. In 2017, an estimated 100,000 migrants reached Yemen.
As part of supporting national programmes in the implementation of HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria activities in Yemen, 55,000 Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets  ( LLINs )  were distributed among 21,600 host community and 2,138 IDP households in Taizz and Hodeidah Governorates. This is part of plans to distribute over 1.7 million LLINs in 2018, with over 800,539 LLINs already distributed to date. Additionally, IOM supported with conducting Malaria Assessment Survey among IDPs in Aden and Al Maharah Governorates, with similar assessments already conducted in Taizz, Hajjah, Al Hudaydah, Marib, Amran, and Lahj Governorates.
47 IOM supported healthcare facilities are currently operational in Yemen, providing much needed care for Yemenis and migrants. A total of 8,146 IDPs and other conflict affected Yemenis and 630 migrants were provided healthcare assistance during the reporting week.
To support the surmounting needs within the health sector, IOM builds on its existing programming in Yemen and continues expanding access for girls, boys, women, and men to primary healthcare services, and provides medical and technical support to primary healthcare centres and hospitals. A total of 47 IOM supported healthcare facilities are currently operational in Yemen, providing much needed care for Yemenis and migrants.
Power generated by the 940 solar panels installed on three schools in Amanat Al Asimah and Sana'a Governorates began pumping water to residents of the neighbourhoods of Shu'aub, Al Madinah Al Syahya, and Sho'ob two weeks ago.
During the reporting week, a total of 8,146 IDPs and other conflict affected Yemenis and 630 migrants were provided healthcare assistance  including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support  ( MHPSS )  and health promotion orientation through Migrant Response Points  ( MRPs ) , static and mobile health clinics, and patrolling mobile health teams. 30 community volunteers, including 26 women, were trained in the Amran Governorate between 21 and 25 April 2018.
IOM provides emergency WASH assistance to the most vulnerable to reduce excess morbidity and mortality, and restores and maintains water and sanitation systems towards the improvement of public health. This is achieved by provision of rehabilitation and maintenance of water supply systems, capacity building of WASH stakeholders, water trucking to IDPs, and hygiene promotion activities. 339,000 liters of water are provided to different water points, hospitals, and locations in Lahj, Al Dhale'e, Abyen, Taizz, and Shabwah Governorates, benefitting over 22,200 individuals on a daily basis.
Due to AWD among migrants in a migrant holding facility in Sana'a – run by the Immigration, Passport, and Naturalization Authority  ( IPNA )  and supported by IOM through provision of life saving assistance to migrants – an integrated health and hygiene campaign was carried out on 4 5 May, with all rooms, latrines, and water tanks cleaned, new mattresses and chlorinated water provided, and medical screening and hygiene awareness sessions conducted for all 269 residents. Some 97% of them were Ethiopian and the total group included 10 girls, 12 boys, 20 women, and 227 men. In addition, 89 AWD cases  ( 28 girls, 30 boys, 20 women, and 11 men )  were treated in Hazm Al Udayn and Far' Al Udayn districts in Ibb through two DTCs and 10 ORPs as part of cholera response.
IOM is managing the Global Fund  ( GF )  Middle East Response  ( MER )  Project in Yemen with an aim to support national programmes in the implementation of HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria activities in Yemen. Distribution of 474,780 LLINS was completed as part of the 25 April–2 May LLINs Campaign, with 765,073 LLINs distributed to date under this project. A total of 229 Community Health Volunteers  ( CHVs )  were trained in the reporting period as part of Training for Integrated Community Case Management  ( ICCM )  of Malaria. IOM supported National TB Programme  ( NTP )  to organize a Governorate level TB Programme review meeting, with 276  ( 28 women and 248 men )  participants attending the review meeting.
The campaign, supported by WHO and UNICEF, is part of a larger response plan that includes strengthening surveillance and case detection, enhancing laboratory testing capacity, procuring and distributing diphtheria anti toxins to health facilities, and training and deploying rapid response teams to trace contacts and provide preventive treatment in communities. Health education and awareness campaigns were conducted to teach people how to protect themselves against diphtheria and other infectious diseases.
First reported in October 2017, diphtheria has spread rapidly, infecting more than 1,300 people and killing over 70. Almost 80 per cent of the caseload are children and young adults below 25 years of age. The rapid spread of the disease highlights major gaps in routine vaccination coverage in recent years and signifies a collapsing health system where only half of all health facilities are partially or fully functioning.
An assessment by a humanitarian partner in Tuban district, Lahj governorate, found that 65 per cent of the estimated 729 displaced households in the governorate were from Al Hudaydah and 26 per cent from Taizz. More than half of the IDPs are women. Only 46 per cent of the assessed population have access to drinking water and to personal hygiene facilities. Another assessment conducted in four districts of Shabwah governorate  ( As Said, Habban, Ataq and Nisab )  found that half of the displaced children are not attending school, exposing them to the risk of early marriage, child labour, recruitment and other types of exploitation.
Al Hudaydah: Clashes in the southern areas of Al Hudaydah governorate resulted in more IDPs fleeing southwards. Airstrikes and ground clashes were reported along frontlines in Hays, Al Tuhayat and Al Garrahi districts of Al Hudaydah, as well as Haradh and Midi districts of Hajjah governorate. An assessment has identified 2,700 newly displaced families from Al Khawkhah as well as neighboring Hays and Al Garrahi districts. As of 8 March, some 13,262 displaced households had reportedly fled the fighting in Al Hudaydah governorate.
WFP is supporting 586 vulnerable families living in Al Garrahi with food assistance. UNHCR and UNICEF are supporting 410 newly displaced families in the district with non food items as well as water and sanitation materials. In Zabid district, ICRC has supported 332 displaced families with non food items and hygiene kits.
Ibb: Civilian displacement and casualties continue to be reported in Taizz governorate as armed clashes continue, particularly in Maqbana and Salah districts. Taizz governorate accounted for the second highest number of civilian casualties in December 2017 and January 2018. Since the escalation of the conflict in Al Hudaydah and Taizz governorates in January, at least 3,590 families have reportedly been displaced within Taizz and 371 families within Ibb governorate.
Hudaydah's residents are already some of the worst affected in the country by hunger and malnutrition. They now face a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, despite a reported pause in the military advance to the sea port and city, and a recent reduction in the fighting. Most areas have no electricity.
Whole neighbourhoods have no water, as pipes have been damaged – raising the fear that cholera could once again grip the city. Dozens of businesses have closed, including those providing milk, oil, margarine and cereals. Thousands have fled their homes because they fear a street war like in Taiz. While all parties fighting refuse to compromise, Yemen's civilians are paying the price. As the Hudaydah offensive moves closer to the sea port and city, world leaders have a choice to put their full backing behind peace to bring an end to this crisis, or oversee a potential humanitarian catastrophe.
Sa'ada: Following advocacy efforts by humanitarian partners, local authorities have agreed to lift the suspension on currently frozen cash interventions in support of livelihoods. In Al Jamhouri hospital in Sa'adah city, an oxygen station is being installed to ensure availability of oxygen to meet the needs of the hospital and other health facilities in the governorate. The installation, which is expected to be completed in April, will double oxygen production to about 48 cylinders a day. In Kitaf wa Al Boqe'e district, UNHCR, through an implementing partner, concluded the distribution of non food items to 1,000 IDP households. In three isolated areas of the same district, a national humanitarian organisation distributed 850 food baskets to the most vulnerable households, orphans and IDPs.
Despite a reported pause in the military advance to the sea port and city,1 fighting continues to take place on the ground at reduced intensity. Government aligned forces backed by the UAE  and Saudi led coalition continue the offensive on Hudaydah after their capture of the city's airport, albeit with less ferocity than in previous weeks.
The shortage of cooking gas in several northern governorates has entered the second month. Available gas is retailing at about 8,000 YER per 20 litre cylinder, compared to about 5,000 YER three weeks ago. The official price is 3,000 YER per 20 litre cylinder. In Al Hudaydah, Sana'a and Sa'ada, the authorities are distributing gas through local leaders to lessen congestion at gas stations and distribution points. In Sa'ada, black market gas costs 8,000 10.000 YER per cylinder. Many families and bakeries are now cooking with firewood.
Sa'ada Hub: Conflict has escalated in Sa'ada governorate, with a high level of civilian impact incidents and casualties, including women and children. According to the Protection Cluster, airstrikes, shelling and ground fighting have impacted homes, farms and civilian infrastructure; and increased the risk of unexploded ordnances. In neighbouring Al Jawf governorate, escalated fighting is reported in several districts, with casualties. The violence has affected humanitarian movements, access and response within Al Jawf and Sa'ada governorates.
The situation remains volatile, and there are continued reports of fighting along the coastal road leading from the airport to the sea port where the fish market is located, and close to the city's university. Intermittent shelling and airstrikes have been reported and a number of roads, mostly in the city, remain closed to civilians.
The ongoing violence in Sa'ada and Al Jawf has triggered new displacement, according to local authorities. Humanitarian partners report an urgent need to provide shelter, non food items and food to at least 20 newly displaced households that are living in an open area in Rajwaza district in Al Jawf. There is also need to assist about 200 newly displaced families in Sa'ada and an estimated 500 households that have returned to their areas of origin in Sha'da and Al Dhaher districts in Sa'ada governorate.
Displacement continues as people flee to other areas, or out of the city in search of safety due to fear of an imminent attack.4 Reports suggest some people are having to take perilous journeys over mountains and valleys, travelling for up to two days to make the journey outside the city limits, which normally takes two hours.
The number of IDPs who are reported to have fled to the southern governorates since last December has increased to over 9,500 households with a surge of new arrivals reported over the last week. Notable were 244 new households arriving in Abyan governorate and another 298 households reported in the district of Al Mukha in Taizz. All appear to be fleeing the front lines in southern Al Hudaydah and in Taizz governorates. Rapid response partners are coordinating the verification/assessment and the response to the new arrivals.
The threat of mines also poses a risk to internally displaced persons  ( IDPs )  along the way.5 Although overall figures on displacement are not yet clear, at least 6,000 families have been displaced from their homes so far.6 Civilian casualties continue to be reported. Coalition airstrikes are reported to have hit a bus carrying displaced people fleeing Hudaydah.
Hudaydah is one of the worst affected governorates in Yemen when it comes to food shortages and malnutrition. Last year it was one step away from famine,8 and it is still experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity.
An analysis by the Protection Cluster shows that conflict incidents such as airstrikes and armed clashes affected more than 57 per cent of all districts in Yemen in 2017, with the worst affected 10 per cent, on average, witnessing an airstrike or armed clashes every day. Casualty figures reported from health facilities showed a five per cent increase from 2016, with the highest reported in Taizz. The analysis shows that 15 per cent of civilian impact incidents struck civilian infrastructures, including food/ water, education and health infrastructure.
As well as preparations for street battles, the city streets are increasingly becoming empty of people and activity. There is little to no traffic in most parts of the city, very little public transport or taxis operating, and fuel stations are closed, or open for only a few hours a day.
The UN sponsored peace talks on Yemen have brought a small chink of hope: agreement of a ceasefire in the port city of Hodeida. It's an important step, the first significant move towards peace in years. But for so many of Yemen's civilians, the ceasefire may not have come soon enough. An estimated 2.2 million children in Yemen are acutely malnourished, and in recent months ICRC staff at primary health centres have seen an increase in their numbers.
Reports point to the Houthis deploying snipers, setting up new check points, locating themselves in residential areas, occupying some public facilities and positioning themselves in civilian buildings, giving rise to very real fears that this will lead to civilians being used as human shields.
WFP reported that the estimated value of the assistance destroyed in the fire that occurred in its warehouse in Al Hudaydah city on 31 March amounts to US$5 million. The lost supplies were meant to contribute to the rations of at least 1.8 million beneficiaries for a month's period. WFP is using reserves to partially cover the gap and prevent any disruption to the monthly distribution process. A new fire broke out on 16 April in a WFP mobile storage unit for non food items in Al Hudaydah city, no significant damage was reported. At least two humanitarian organisations reached and responded in Al Khawkhah district during the reporting period. However, access to the eastern part of Hays district remains challenging due to continued shelling. In Al Hudaydah city, humanitarian partners have provided NFI, cash and hygiene assistance to some 1,500 families, including IDPs. In Hajjah governorate, 158 families among the most vulnerable in Abs district received cash assistance.
The needs in Yemen are unprecedented: 20 million of its population of 28 million are food insecure. Millions have been displaced. Aid agencies try their best, but they cannot solve this crisis. The ceasefire must allow the port of Hodeida to operate at full capacity.
On 11 April, a WHO chartered cargo plane delivered 19 tons of medical and therapeutic items to Sana'a International Airport. The items will be distributed across Yemen. The road from Sana'a to Sayun in Hadramaut governorate, mainly used by civilians planning to travel abroad through Sayun Airport, has been temporarily cut off due to ground clashes in Al Bayda governorate. Humanitarian partners have also reported access constraints in Hamdan and Bani Matar districts  ( Sana'a governorate )  and in Harib district  ( Marib governorate )  by local authorities restricting their movement and ability to implement programmes.
Some are leaving using their own vehicles, and others public transport when it is available. The cost of public transport is extremely high, with many poor people unable to pay these prices. It costs $150 for a family of six to travel to the capital Sana'a or Taiz city, or $70 to flee to inner districts inside Hudaydah.
Although they are receiving some assistance from humanitarian agencies, there are difficulties getting humanitarian goods into the city, and access to warehouses has become difficult due to ongoing fighting and blockage of some roads. Access to IDPs in Al Tuhayata, Al Durayhimi and Al Garrahi districts is a challenge due to ongoing hostilities in those areas.
Many of those who manage to flee to other cities are unable to afford accommodation or the high cost of rent as properties are in short supply, and because landlords are hiking up prices. It can cost $500 per month to rent accommodation and feed a family in Sana'a.15 People displaced inside the city are sheltering in schools.
Dec. 6, 2018   The people of Yemen have had enough. More than three years of war have killed thousands, displaced more than 500,000, created the worst cholera epidemic and brought about 14 million Yemenis to the brink of starvation.
Al Hudaydah: Health sources reported that at least 20 civilians were killed and 47 were injured by airstrikes on a wedding ceremony in Bani Qais District in Hajjah Governorate on 22 April. Other sources have up to 40 people killed. The UN Secretary General has strongly condemned the attack calling for an investigation. In Abs District, an airstrike on an IDP house reportedly killed five civilians including one woman and injured one man from the same family. WFP distributed 2,700 food baskets through an implementing partner in Al Khawkhah District. Following the identification of seven positive cholera cases in Al Hudaydah city, ICRC conducted a verification test to all suspected water sources used by patients and found one borehole contaminated by the cholera vibrio. The borehole was immediately closed and the Rapid Response Team was activated to ensure chlorination of all water sources across the Governorate.
Desperate to escape famine, to be reunited with their loved ones, to mourn the dead, to save the future of their children, Yemenis are picking through the scattered signs of hope that this conflict might end.
The damage to the water system has pushed some residents of the southern and western neighbourhoods of the city to leave their homes in search of water.
Sa'ada: The protection cluster reports that in the period from 12 to 18 April, the number of civilian impact incidents in Sa'ada increased from 23 to 30. Although the number of incidents increased, the number of civilian casualties decreased, dropping from 41 to 12. Contrary to previous weeks, casualties were the result of shelling  ( 67% )  or small arms fire  ( 23% ) . Airstrikes also hit water infrastructure and a school in Razih District, potentially leaving 3,000 households with restricted access to basic services.
Over the past weeks, both parties have showed their willingness to make significant humanitarian gestures. Some of the prisoners of war from both parties, who have not been allowed to contact their families in four years of war, were finally allowed to do so. Fifty Yemenis were able to fly out from Sana to Muscat to get treatment   something that has not happened for years.
Hudaydah was one of the epicentres of last year's cholera outbreak, one of the worst in modern history.18 If the water system in just one neighbourhood breaks down, this means that because of damage to the sewage system as a result of the recently dug trenches and a lack of immediate repairs to address the situation, cholera could spread with lightning speed. The repair of the water and sewage system in the city is therefore a critical priority.
On going cash distributions are reaching over 320,000 internally displaced persons  ( IDPs ) . Designed to respond to the protection, shelter and winterization needs of over 45,000 IDP families, this is the largest round of cash distributions to date in 2018. Rental subsidies are being disbursed to 26,000 households – more than half of the cash beneficiaries. While 11,000 families will receive cash for winterization, the remaining 9,000 families will receive cash to help them to address protection issues.
Oxfam has heard from its sources on the ground in Hudaydah that dozens of factories and commercial businesses including mills have stopped production because of fighting close by, and/or reportedly because workers are too scared to turn up for work. Of note is that it is not just small businesses, but also large scale commercial suppliers, who are closing their doors.
Ibb: Western frontlines in Taizz Governorate witnessed a military escalation during the reporting period. On 20 April, 20 people were reportedly killed when their vehicles were hit by airstrikes in Mawza District.The UN Secretary General has strongly condemned the attack calling for an investigation. A multicluster rapid assessment in Mawza District of Taizz Governorate found that humanitarian situation of some 655 IDP families displaced within the district since May 2017 is dire with 98 per cent of the IDPs scattered in open areas, living in shelters made from straw without any basic water sanitation and hygiene services. The report indicates also that women and children  ( less than 12 years old )  are the majority of the IDPs.
UNHCR provided the Civil Registration Authority  ( CRA )  in Ibb Governorate with mobile registration equipment. The donation will support the CRA to provide national identification documents to IDPs in Ibb city, and also in more remote areas outside the city. Through a quick impact project, UNHCR and the CRA in Ibb are installing shaded waiting areas and increasing the amount of seating available, to improve the conditions for people going through the registration process.
Ongoing clashes in Hudaydah city have destroyed commercial and public service facilities, including Al Mukhtar hospital, which has been partially destroyed.
The factories which have closed were producing goods such as margarine, milk, oils, cereals and other foods needed by residents. Some factories located close to the fighting have had to empty goods into trucks and move them to other locations out fear the goods will be destroyed or looted.
Most shops and shopping malls in the city are also closed, with some fearing looting, and others closing because of the insecurity. Some shops open for a few hours a day, with owners too scared to stay open all day, and also to ensure their limited stocks last as long as possible. Traders and businesspeople are also leaving the city, disrupting people's access to markets, food and essential goods.
During the reporting period, the Dhamar Customs Office held three trucks carrying nutrition assistance items from Aden to Sana'a. The items were to be warehoused in Sana'a before being dispatched to Al Hudaydah Governorate. The Nutrition Cluster and OCHA are following up with the local authorities. Meanwhile, Al Joumhoury Hospital in Sana'a City has warned that it may have to close its dialysis centre due to lack of supplies.
20 July 2018  Seven WHO chartered aircraft have landed in Sana'a Airport this week, while between 30 to 50 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies reach Aden regularly by a UN ship run by the World Food Programme  ( WFP ) . In total this week more than 200 tonnes of life saving medicines and medical supplies, and emergency equipment have been delivered in Yemen by WHO, in partnership with WFP and the logistic cluster, as health needs in Yemen grow at an alarming pace.
The highest numbers of casualties were reported in governorates that have witnessed intense conflict including Taizz, Aden, Sa'ada, Amanat Al Asimah and Hajjah; with most deaths and injuries reported from Taizz. The numbers reported by WHO reflect only casualties that were reported at functional health centres. Actual total numbers of casualties are expected to be much higher.