22 February 2026, Aden, Yemen – Over the past three years, WHO Yemen has led a transformative initiative to strengthen civil society capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), embedding accountability, protection and dignity into health and humanitarian service delivery.
Through an integrated approach combining prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse (PRSEAH), gender-based violence (GBV), gender equity and human rights (GER), and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), WHO has supported a shift from awareness to institutional change.
In 2024, 56 civil society organizations (CSOs) participated in a national safeguarding working session. In 2025, more specialized trainings expanded engagement to over 60 CSOs, with more than 650 participants trained cumulatively. Importantly, 23 CSOs were supported to develop and institutionalize tailored PRSEAH policies – marking a milestone in strengthening internal accountability systems. Additionally, 69 staff members received bystander intervention training to reinforce proactive prevention.
“For the first time, we understand how to develop and improve our own PRSEAH policy. This has strengthened our credibility with staff and communities,” said a CSO safeguarding focal point in 2025.
These efforts have strengthened governance structures, clarified reporting pathways and increased organizational responsibility across the civil society sector.
Expanding community protection and safer health services
WHO-supported implementing partners expanded PRSEAH awareness at community level across multiple governorates. In 2024 alone, 659 community members (410 women and 249 men) were engaged in PRSEAH-focused activities, while 229 partner staff were trained on SEAH prevention.
Parallel efforts focused on strengthening protection within health facilities. Throughout 2024–2025, dozens of facilities established confidential, survivor-centred reporting mechanisms, reinforcing professional conduct and early risk identification.
As health workers became better equipped to respond safely and appropriately to disclosures, facilities reported greater confidence among communities – particularly women and vulnerable groups – in seeking care.
In just three years, WHO Yemen and its partners have laid the foundation for safer, more accountable systems. Continued investment in civil society leadership and safeguarding mechanisms remains essential to sustain trust, uphold dignity and ensure protection across Yemen’s health response.
