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Cash Consortium of Yemen: A Lifeline Amidst Crisis

Yemen remains one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises, with a staggering 21.6 million people in need of aid. As 80 percent of the country struggles to secure food and access basic services, the effects of nine years of conflict have been compounded by economic collapse, and natural disasters. The health system is on the brink of collapse, cutting off vital medical treatment for millions.

In response to this dire situation, humanitarian aid organizations have mobilized to offer a life-saving assistance. The Cash Consortium of Yemen (CCY) stands at the forefront of this effort, delivering Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) across 13 governorates. Established in 2020, the European Union (EU)-funded program is hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and includes partners such as Acted, Mercy Corps (MC), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and Solidarités International (SI). Designed to address the essential needs of Yemen’s conflict-affected population, the program helps families regain stability amid their shockingly adverse conditions.

Mohammad Ali Ahmad, was displaced from Al Hudaydah and now living on the outskirts of Sana’a, Mohammad faces severe health issues that prevented him from working. As the father of three, his inability to earn an income left his family vulnerable to extreme measures, including child labour. "After we left Al Hudaydah, we lost our source of income from renting flats in my building. With my medical condition, I can't work anywhere," Mohammad shares. "One day, while I was in the hospital without money for treatment, I learned about the Norwegian Refugee Council and their cash assistance program."

While the cash assistance isn’t a long-term solution, it provides a foundation for meeting our basic needs. My children can now return to school after having to drop out.

Mohammad, a displacment in Lahj.

The NRC assessed Mohammad’s situation and classified his household as one of the most vulnerable, making him eligible for three months of cash assistance. "Before receiving the assistance, I constantly worried about paying rent, securing medicine, and putting food on the table for my children," Mohammad recalls. "While the cash assistance isn’t a long-term solution, it provides a foundation for meeting our basic needs. My children can now return to school after having to drop out. Thanks to NRC and the EU, this support has eased some of our burdens."

CCY’s MPCA program has had a significant positive impact on conflict-affected households, notably reducing reliance on harmful coping strategies. Before receiving cash assistance, 46% of MPCA beneficiaries resorted to child labour. This figure has since dropped to 27%, showcasing the program’s role in mitigating the adverse effects of the ongoing crisis.

As Yemen continues to navigate the challenges posed by prolonged conflict and instability, the efforts of organizations like CCY offers hope to vulnerable families. Through targeted, flexible assistance, they help families rebuild their lives, providing not just immediate relief but also a pathway to a more stable and hopeful future.