COVID-19 compounds economic crises in Yemen, Jordan, Palestine
Recent reports signal conditions going from bad to worse.
UN: Yemen 'hanging by a thread'
A conference this week of government donors to Yemen fell short of what’s needed to address what UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis" despite Saudi Arabia kicking in $500 million.
Guterres said Yemen is "hanging by a thread" with its institutions "facing near collapse" and its economy "in tatters." Out of an estimated population of 28 to 30 million, a staggering 24 million need assistance. Four million are displaced. Just this year, 110,000 Yemenis have contracted cholera. Seasonal floods could spark malaria and dengue fever outbreaks as well. Nearly half its population is under 15. A recent report by the UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia explains the negative long-term impact of conflict on children’s development in Yemen and other Arab countries.
UN humanitarian coordinator and conference co-host Mark Lowcock added that COVID-19 is "spreading rapidly," making the situation "catastrophic."
