Abu Dhabi, (IINA) - The UAE has provided $20 million to Yemen on Thursday to ensure the basic needs of the Yemeni people are met, WAM reported.

The initiative came after President Sheikh Khalifa Al-Nahyan issued directives to provide the aid. It also came in accordance with the United Nations’ and the international organizations’ plans to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Under the agreement, this grant will be channeled to a number of UN agencies and international organizations to address the humanitarian crisis, and it includes directing $12 million to support health care and needs and $8 million to enhance the food security, and nutrition of children and mothers. The aid will concentrate in governorates of Taiz, Aden, and Lahej, especially in support of the health care in Taiz.

The UAE’s grant will be divided between humanitarian organizations, $10 million will be directed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), $6 million to the UN World Food Program (WFP), $2 million to UNICEF, and $2 million to other international organizations.

The total UAE aid provided in response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen since last March to date has so far amounted to $441 million.

AG/IINA