Health crisis in Yemen: WHO demands urgent access to conflict zones
The World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean has issued an urgent call requesting immediate access to the areas hardest hit by the conflict in Yemen. The institution warns that the front-line zones between government forces and Houthi rebels are facing a critical situation that has led the healthcare system to total collapse.
Access to the most affected populations, especially near the front lines of the conflict, is extremely difficult. That is why we are calling for access to the most affected population in order to be able to deliver aid to the people.
Annette Heinzelmann, WHO Regional Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
Devastating impact on the healthcare system
The recent escalation of violence on the country’s west coast has exacerbated a pre-existing humanitarian crisis. According to WHO data, more than 3,600 victims of the conflict have been recorded since August, with a toll of 674 deaths. The intensity of the clashes is reflected in recent data, which accounts for 68 additional deaths just between September 13 and 18.
- More than 130,000 people displaced in the last few weeks.
- Health centers operating above capacity and with minimal resources.
- Precarious living conditions that increase the risk of epidemic outbreaks.
Displacements and regional crisis
The instability has caused massive civilian displacement. The organization estimates that nearly 3,000 Yemeni refugees have fled to the Obock region in Djibouti. In response to this forced migration, the WHO has deployed missions to assess health needs, highlighting the urgency of strengthening vaccination services and primary healthcare to prevent a major public health crisis.
Budget cuts complicate the response
Humanitarian work faces an additional obstacle: the reduction of financial resources. Adham Ismail, head of the WHO Regional Office, reported that the regional core program budget suffered a 14% decrease, going from 618.4 million to 533.7 million dollars. This situation has forced the elimination of 270 jobs within the organization, significantly limiting the capacity to respond to emergencies on the ground for the coming year.
