KfW Grants €19.8 Million to UNICEF to Address Undernutrition Through Strengthening Preventive Nutrition Initiatives in Seven Governorates in Yemen

24 March 2025, Sana’a, Yemen — In a significant step toward addressing the critical nutrition crisis in Yemen, KfW Development Bank, on behalf of the German Federal Government, recently contributed 19.8 million euros to UNICEF Yemen. This funding will bolster preventive nutrition interventions aimed at reducing acute and chronic undernutrition among vulnerable children and women in Yemen, where millions continue to face severe food insecurity and malnutrition exacerbated by years of conflict and economic collapse.

The contribution will enable UNICEF to scale up preventive nutrition programs, including the distribution of micronutrient supplements, nutrition education for caregivers, and community-based screening for malnutrition in 18 districts in the governorates of Taiz, Lahj, Aden, Hajjah, Hodeida, Ibb, and Marib.

The initiative will prioritize children under five, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers—groups most at risk of life-threatening malnutrition. Additionally, the funding will support training for health workers and community volunteers to deliver quality preventive and treatment services, preventing long-term health consequences.

Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 2.7 million children acutely malnourished and 1.3 million pregnant or lactating women suffering from acute malnutrition. Preventive measures are critical to breaking the cycle of hunger and reducing reliance on emergency treatment.

“This generous contribution from KfW and the German government is a lifeline for Yemen’s children,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Yemen. “By investing in preventive nutrition, we can prevent stunting, break the cycle of malnutrition and build resilience for tomorrow. This partnership ensures families have the tools and knowledge to protect their children from the devastating effects of chronic malnutrition.”

Yemen’s malnutrition crisis is driven by protracted conflict, displacement, economic decline, and limited access to basic services. UNICEF’s preventive approach focuses on improving dietary practices, enhancing access to essential nutrients, and strengthening local health systems to mitigate risks before malnutrition becomes severe.

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Media contacts

Kamal Al-Wazizah

Communications Specialist

UNICEF Yemen

Tel: +967 712 223 068

Email: kalwazizah@unicef.org