Highlights
• The new inactivated Polio vaccine (IPV) which was introduced in Yemen on 1 November entered its second round, targeting a total number of 5,039,936 children. IPV will be used alongside the oral vaccine (OPV).
• UNICEF launched its first ever humanitarian cash transfers in Sana’a on 14 November 2015. A total of 4,051 vulnerable households were reached with cash transfers of YR 21,500 (roughly $100) for each family during the first three days.
• Within a few days, two rare cyclones made landfall in Yemen (Chapala which first hit Mukalla on 3 November, and Cyclone Megh which hit between 8—10 November). The storms left 26 dead, dozens injured and 47,000 displaced. UNICEF continues to assist the cyclone response, providing health and WASH supplies.
Nearly eight months have passed since the escalation of conflict in Yemen, causing 21.1 million people (over 80 per cent of the population) to need some kind of humanitarian assistance. In addition to the ongoing violence, two cyclones hit Yemen during this reporting period: first, Cyclone Chapala which made landfall on 3 November and then Cyclone Megh which hit Yemen shortly after, on 8 November, triggering heavy rains, strong winds and substantial flooding. According to OCHA, the cyclones left 26 dead, dozens injured, and 47,000 people displaced. Currently, UNICEF supports the UN cyclone response with much needed medical and WASH supplies and the response is being coordinated through existing clusters.
The shortage of basic goods such as water, electricity, medicine and fuel is causing more and more disruption to people’s lives. In addition, the sharp increase in prices of food coupled with loss of jobs and lack of work opportunities continues to increase poverty and malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups of Yemeni society.
The overallsecurity situation in Yemen remains unstable. The situation in Taiz continues to deteriorate which is negatively affecting the humanitarian response, as access to many parts of the city remains a challenge. In addition, reports suggest that a blockade continues. The security situation in Aden remains volatile as well with sporadic incidents of assassinations, armed violence and robbery, indicating an ongoing fragile rule of law. The return of President Hadi and several government ministers to Aden on 15 November is considered significant.