UNDP Begins Soap-Making Training in Yemen

The United Nations Development Program is training people in Yemen to make soap, in an attempt to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The program, funded by the EU, Sida, and the UNDP rapid response facility, helps small, home-based enterprises produce soap. Once the training is completed, each participant is granted $600 to start their own soap production station.

In Yemen, 18 million people are in need of water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. Some larger families might share a single bar of soap, according to one program participant. But he said that most of the time they can’t afford soap.

The goal for the program is to offer families a new source of income and distribute affordable soap to communities during the pandemic. The hope is that those making soap will produce 5,500 bottles a month.