To mark 50 years of Tearfund, we’re sharing about 50 countries where we’ve worked, celebrating God’s provision and power to transform, and praying for each of these nations. This week we’re in Yemen.
For millions of Yemeni people, life today is hard – really hard. The nation is facing the prospect of the worst famine the world has seen in 100 years, as well as regular large-scale outbreaks of cholera. Rightly it’s being referred to as the ‘world’s worst humanitarian crisis’.
After nearly four years of civil war Yemenis are facing multiple crises, including armed conflict, mass displacement of people, and the risk of famine and disease outbreaks. Thousands have died in the conflict, and nearly 80 per cent of the country (22.2 million people) are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Since April 2017 there have been 1.15 million cases and 2,401 associated deaths from cholera in Yemen (figures accurate August 2018). Children under five years of age make up more than 30 per cent of the total suspected cases.
So, where do we look for hope?
As we pray for each of the nations we work in this year, here is a story of how a Tearfund partner in Yemen is reaching out to help tackle the cholera crisis. May it encourage you to keep praying and supporting our efforts to bring an end to extreme poverty.
Fleeing home
Before the conflict Mr Naje and his family lived in a vibrant Yemeni community. Now his home has gone, people have fled, and debris from buildings destroyed by rocket strikes litter the streets.
Mr Naje made the difficult decision to move to another city over 150km away. This wasn’t easy for the 65-year-old, who is chronically ill and has been without work since the start of the war. He is responsible for the families of his two sons, both killed in the war. He and his wife resorted to begging, to survive.
