Health crisis in Yemen: WHO demands urgent access to assist affected population
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 situation, exacerbated by clashes on the front lines between Houthi rebels and government forces, has pushed a health system that was already operating at a minimum to its limit.
Access to the most affected populations, especially near the front-line areas 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 resumption of hostilities, particularly on the west coast, has created unsustainable pressure on local hospitals. According to data shared by Alofoke Deportes, more than 3,600 direct victims of the conflict have been recorded since August, 674 of whom have died. In just a five-day period, between September 13 and 18, 68 new deaths were recorded.
Heinzelmann emphasized that the healthcare system was already overwhelmed before this escalation. The crisis has caused a massive displacement of civilians, who are now living in precarious conditions that increase the imminent risk of epidemic outbreaks.
Refugee crisis and budget cuts
- Nearly 3,000 Yemeni refugees have fled to the Obock region in Djibouti, where the WHO is assessing urgent vaccination and medical care needs.
- Almost 130,000 people have been displaced from their homes in recent weeks due to the intensity of the fighting.
- The WHO’s core program budget for the region suffered a 14% cut, decreasing from 618.4 million to 533.7 million dollars.
- The lack of funding has forced the elimination of 270 jobs within the organization, limiting the response capacity to the emergency.
The combination of medical supply shortages, the forced closure of health centers, and the disruption of essential services paints a critical picture for the Yemeni people. The WHO reiterates that, in the face of reduced financial resources and increasing violence, humanitarian aid is more necessary than ever to avoid a health catastrophe of greater proportions.
