Khabar Khair (Only Good News)

Yesterday, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Waed Abdullah Batheeb and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Director for Yemen Kimberlee Bell signed a five-year assistance agreement between the Government of the United States and the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Yemen. The agreement demonstrates the United States’ firm commitment to the prosperity and stability of Yemen and its people.

“The United States and Yemen have a productive partnership that endures even in the face of the unprecedented challenges we face today,” said Kimberlee Bell. She further added, “The American people remain committed to assisting Yemen with both its immediate needs and with advancing the government of Yemen’s vision for the country’s long-term stability and prosperity.”

USAID’s economic growth program focuses on achieving macroeconomic stability by improving monetary and fiscal policy and facilitating international trade. This partnership helps strengthen Yemen’s healthcare system, improves access to basic healthcare services through programs that promote life-saving reproductive, maternal, and child health services, improves nutrition for children and pregnant women, increases access to safe water and sanitation, and enhances the provision and delivery of water and sanitation services. Additional programs improve early grade reading, numeracy, and writing skills; support non-formal learning centers and a remedial curriculum for out-of-school children; assist the educational needs of girls and children with disabilities; promote community cohesion and reconciliation; and strengthen the peacebuilding capacity of local and national government institutions.

The agreement describes how USAID’s development assistance will accelerate economic growth in Yemen, increase access to essential water, health, and education services, and strengthen governance and reconciliation. It is worth noting that USAID has provided more than $5.8 billion in humanitarian and development assistance in support of the Yemeni people since 2015.