The country faces an alarmingly high rate of malnutrition, with approximately 5 million children under the age of 2,4 suffering from stunting.
The conflict in Yemen enters its 10th year today; More than half of the country's population requires urgent assistance, and an estimated 50 million people, 17,8% of whom are children, require health assistance.
“It is as if the ongoing conflicts have become an accepted part of daily life in the region. “It is important to step back and remember that hungry children, disease outbreaks, closed hospitals… these should not be normalized,” said Dr. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. Hanan Balkhy and “The conflict destroyed everything… many health facilities closed, epidemics spread, bygone diseases such as polio and cholera returned,” said Dr Eman Tajeldeen, who works at the Central Laboratory. Eden. “We love Yemen and we would love to see Yemen back,” he said.
Children are particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, measles, whooping cough and diphtheria, and also suffer from alarmingly high rates of malnutrition. Almost half of children under five, approximately 2,4 million, suffer from moderate to severe stunting.
80 Percent of the Population is Women and Children
WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr. “After 9 years of conflict, worsening health outcomes and destroyed infrastructure, urgent health and humanitarian needs are weighing on the lives of millions of Yemenis and limiting their ability to achieve inclusive sustainable development,” said Arturo Pesigan. This is coupled with a significant decline in international support, leaving communities vulnerable to worsening conditions. “Every day that passes under these conditions affects the future of millions of people for years to come,” he said.
Yemen is among the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change but also among the least prepared for its impacts. Last year, climate-related factors, particularly heavy rains and flash floods, emerged as the leading cause of new displacements in Yemen. Today, approximately 4,5 million people remain internally displaced, with women and children accounting for approximately 80% of this affected population.
Despite the huge pressure on resources, WHO currently supports 96 therapeutic feeding centers (with bed capacity to serve approximately 30.000 children per year) and provides nutrition screening services in more than 270 regions. These centers achieve impressive results with recovery rates of 96%, well above the international standard.
In 2023, WHO continued its support to 114 essential and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities by providing essential maternal medicines, supplies and health care equipment. Additionally, 333 rapid response teams continued to be deployed across Yemen to ensure timely responses to outbreaks. These teams conducted more than 69.000 site visits.
In the last 5 years, WHO's funding to the country has decreased by 45%. In 2024, WHO needs US$77 million to provide essential health assistance.
“Health needs are urgent, but chronic underfunding remains. Despite the difficult decisions this entails, WHO is committed to prioritizing equally important health services aimed at saving lives. While we are grateful for the support we have received from donors over the years, it is important to highlight that there is an urgent need for additional support at this time. “We are progressing in demonstrating that significant improvements in health outcomes can be achieved when both those who need it and the resources necessary to conduct our work are available,” added Dr. Balky.
