Dubai’s Humanitarian Hub: Children Bear the Brunt of Global Crises in 2024
Over $137 Million in Aid Delivered to 106 Countries Amid Escalating Humanitarian Needs
DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 8, 2025 – As the world faced escalating crises in 2024, children emerged as the most affected victims, according to data released by Dubai Humanitarian, the world’s largest humanitarian aid hub. The newly published figures from the Humanitarian Logistics Databank reveal that over $137 million worth of humanitarian aid was distributed to 106 countries, underscoring the growing need for urgent relief.
Rising Needs Across Key Sectors
From conflict zones to regions hit by natural disasters, the demand for essential aid surged dramatically. The latest figures highlight the scale of the humanitarian response:
Health Aid: More than $40 million—nearly a third of total aid—was allocated to healthcare.
*Food Security: Aid for food security soared fourfold, jumping from $5 million in 2023 to $19.6 million in 2024, including 54.6 million sachets of food supplements for children as young as six months.
*Education Aid: Support for education saw a nearly fourfold increase, rising from $320,000 to $1.2 million as crises disrupted schooling for millions.
*Shelter Aid: Almost $31.7 million—another third of the total aid—was designated for shelter needs.
*Water and Sanitation: Assistance in this category remained steady at $3.2 million, mirroring 2023 levels.
Children Among the Hardest Hit
The data highlights the disproportionate impact of global crises on children, particularly in Yemen, Pakistan, and several African nations—areas where emergencies often receive limited global attention. Aid for children’s nutrition and education saw sharp increases, signaling worsening conditions on the ground.
“2024 was a year of unprecedented challenges for the world, and children have suffered the most,” said Giuseppe Saba, CEO of Dubai Humanitarian. “Despite our efforts—alongside UN agencies and humanitarian partners—to distribute over $137 million in aid, the devastating impact on children’s nutrition and education remains alarming.”
A Coordinated Global Response
Dubai Humanitarian serves as a central hub for international organizations, including UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Walid Ibrahim, UNHRD Network Coordinator, emphasized the role of strategic partnerships in delivering aid effectively.
“In 2024, we mobilized and delivered lifesaving support to major emergencies, including Afghanistan, Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, as well as ongoing operations in 65 countries worldwide,” Ibrahim noted. “This was made possible through anticipatory action, close collaboration, and the unwavering support of Dubai Humanitarian and the UAE government.”
Harnessing Data for Faster Aid Deployment
Launched in 2018, the Humanitarian Logistics Databank continues to enhance emergency response capabilities by providing real-time insights into global aid distribution. As humanitarian crises intensify, experts stress the need for greater global coordination to ensure timely and efficient delivery of aid to vulnerable populations.
With needs escalating worldwide, Dubai Humanitarian remains at the forefront of relief efforts, working to bridge the gap between crises and lifesaving assistance.
Humanitarian Logistics Databank
