The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains the worst in the world; driven by five years of conflict and political instability. Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, including internal displacement, famine, outbreaks of cholera and COVID-19. An estimated 24.1 million people – over 80 per cent of the population – are in need of some form of assistance, including 14.4 million who are in acute need.
Within the Syria crisis region, which spans the whole of Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, there have been a total of 252,204 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of June 30, 2020. The highest number of confirmed cases came from Türkiye (199,906), followed by Egypt (68,311), Iraq (49,109), and Jordan (1,132). Only 279 cases were reported in Syria. By June, UNFPA country offices throughout the region had already readjusted their programmes and work plans, putting short and long-term measures in place to ensure continuity of operations despite expected challenges.