The prolonged conflict in Yemen has had devastating consequences for the population, in particular with limited access to health care and nutrition. The Bidbidah region in Marib, east of the capital, Sanaa, is particularly affected, with severe malnutrition and limited access to health-care facilities, according to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Austria.

The aid organization runs a health center in Marib and is planning to stock up on food and medicines to meet the greatly increased need. The project will be launched in June 2024 and will cost 195,600 Swiss francs (about US$ 215,000). The aim is to support 37,000 people, including more than 21,000 children and people with disabilities.

According to ADRA Austria, there is a lack of basic health and nutrition services in the Bidbidah district, which exacerbates the already difficult situation of the population. In addition, a policy geared toward population growth and lack of family planning options make it difficult for women to access sexual and reproductive health services. People with disabilities are also marginalized and discriminated against.

Overview of ADRA’s activities

ADRA Austria leaders said the ADRA network project focuses on two areas: health and nutrition.

On health, the agency is seeking ways to improve access to life-saving health services and increase the capacity of ADRA’s health facilities by providing additional medical equipment and medicines and addressing staff shortages. It’s also seeking to improve access to reproductive health services, including family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, and reduction of maternal mortality. Finally, it is addressing the needs of people with disabilities and ensuring equitable and inclusive access to health care.

In the area of nutrition, ADRA is seeking to provide timely, high-quality food for severely malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women. At the same time, it is seeking to implement preventive measures to reduce malnutrition, such as nutrition education and awareness-raising campaigns. Finally, it ensures the availability and distribution of nutritious food to vulnerable population groups in coordination with the World Food Program (WFP).

According to ADRA Austria, the project's overarching goal is to save lives in the conflict-affected village communities in the Bidbidah district. At the same time, ADRA is working intensively to find a medium—and long-term solution, agency leaders said.

About ADRA Austria

ADRA Austria is a registered non-governmental aid organization that has been awarded the Austrian Donation Seal of Approval. It was founded in 1992 and is supported by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Austria. Depending on the project, ADRA Austria cooperates with ADRA International and other ADRA country offices.

After its founding, ADRA Austria initially carried out projects mainly in southeastern Europe and Africa. After the tsunami disaster in 2004, increased activities in Asia (Sri Lanka and India) were added. Since then, ADRA Austria's program has constantly expanded and projects also support people on other continents.

The original version of this story was posted by the Inter-European Division.