WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States announced nearly $139 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the Yemen crisis today.

The contribution will help meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable people in the Middle East's poorest and most food insecure country. Since the beginning of the current conflict in March 2015, approximately 2.7 million Yemenis have been displaced and over 20 million Yemenis are in need of humanitarian protection and assistance. The USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) estimates that at least 6 million people in Yemen are currently in need of life-saving food assistance.   

The United States looks forward to the expected April 10 cessation of hostilities announced by the United Nations and is seeking to help ensure its implementing partners are able to utilize this de-escalation to distribute assistance throughout Yemen to all those in need. The United States urges all parties to the conflict to ensure that they are cooperating with humanitarian workers as they access all parts of the country.  

This latest assistance includes additional food supplies, emergency health care, nutrition services, shelter, safe drinking water, and protection to the most vulnerable families and communities. The additional food supplies include approximately 122,000 metric tons of U.S. sourced wheat, peas, and vegetable oil that will be delivered through the UN World Food Programme's emergency operation in Yemen.   

The United States has mobilized a robust humanitarian response to the crisis in Yemen despite the complex and insecure operating environment. This latest contribution brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance for Yemen to more than $317 million in fiscal years 2015 and 2016.  

The United States remains committed to helping the people of Yemen.