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A Lifeline of Hope: The Unseen Impact of Cash Transfer in Hodeidah Governorate

Yahya sits with his son who suffered from malnutrition. Photo: Abdalnasser Al-Gerfry/CARE

Yahya sits with his son who suffered from malnutrition. Photo: Abdalnasser Al-Gerfry/CARE

Yemen, a country ravaged by years of conflict, is enduring one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The war, which began in 2015, has devastated the economy, leading to widespread poverty and food insecurity. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, 17.6 million people are in desperate need of food support.

The economic collapse has caused food prices to skyrocket, making it nearly impossible for many families to afford basic necessities. The Yemeni Rial has depreciated significantly, and inflation has soared, doubling the cost of food. As a result, many Yemenis struggle to eat even one meal a day, let alone three.

Life in Hodeidah Governorate, western Yemen, is a daily struggle, marked by uncertainty and hardship. Yahya Mohab lives with his family in the district of Az Zuhra, struggling with the dire needs. Yahya’s story is one of resilience and challenges, a testament to the impact of humanitarian aid in the most challenging circumstances.

“Sometimes we manage to eat for a day, only to go without food the next,” Yahya describes the daily struggle to secure enough food. The scarcity of food is a constant worry for families such as Yahya’s.  Children are among the hardest hit by this crisis. Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, with at least five million children under the age of five requiring treatment for acute malnutrition. Many children suffer from stunted growth and other health issues due to the lack of proper nutrition.

Yahya’s son, Yousif, once suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The child’s sight had become so fragile, it was a heart-wrenching experience for Yahya to witness helplessly. However today, there is a note of gratitude in his voice as he says, “Yousif is now, thankfully, so much better and is recovering.” The improvement in Yusif’s health is indeed a source of joy for the entire family, a sign that better days are possible.

The provision of proper food and nutrition has been instrumental in Yousif’s recovery, highlighting the critical role of adequate nourishment in combating malnutrition among children in Yemen. Unconditional cash support has been pivotal in this transformation, enabling families in Hodeidah Governorate to put food on the table and ensure their children receive the necessary nutrients for healthy development. These projects have not only alleviated immediate hunger but have also contributed to the overall well-being and resilience of the community, offering a lifeline to many families in need. With funding from Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), CARE implemented unconditional cash transfer activities in the district of Az Zuhra, supporting 906 households with six cycles of cash. “The unconditional cash transfer helped in providing essentials needs, medicines as well as towards repayment of my debts. The money was a lifeline for me and my family,” he explains. The project has not only ensured that his family has food on the table but has also allowed them to access necessary medicines and help reduce their debt burdens.

“The community is in desperate need of these projects, and it would make such a difference if they continue for all those in need, so everyone can be able to start rebuilding their lives.” The Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCT) have not only provided immediate relief but have also brought a renewed sense of stability and hope to many families in Az Zuhra. These funds have been crucial in addressing basic necessities, such as food and medicine. Yahya’s reflections underscore the critical importance of such humanitarian efforts in a region where economic hardship and instability are prevalent. The continuation of these projects is vital for sustaining the well-being and resilience of the community.

Yahya Mohab’s story is a powerful reminder of the tangible and critical difference targeted aid can bring in transforming the lives of those facing extreme hardship, helping them become resilient and self-reliant, and find themselves in much better conditions. It underscores the necessity of continuing and expanding these projects to reach all those in need, ensuring that more families can find a helping hand and stability in the face of adversity.

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