The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that Yemen's health system is on the verge of collapse due to the ongoing conflict in the country. According to Annette Heinzelmann, WHO's emergency director for the eastern Mediterranean region, the health system is facing numerous challenges, including insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and shortages of medical supplies. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent escalation of fighting, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement.
The conflict in Yemen has led to a significant increase in humanitarian needs, with at least 145,000 people displaced this month alone, according to United Nations figures. The country's health system, already weakened by over a decade of civil war, is struggling to cope with the influx of wounded civilians. Nine health facilities or assets have been damaged, put out of service, closed, or directly attacked in the hard-hit areas of Taiz, Lahj, and Hodeidah. This has resulted in a significant reduction in healthcare services, including comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care.
The WHO has reported that only around 60% of Yemen's health facilities are fully functional, and the country is facing high levels of malnutrition and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. Since the start of this year, Yemen has tallied nearly 8,000 suspected cholera cases, including 22 deaths, and more than 9,600 dengue cases, including 37 people who had died. The organisation is bracing for more and bigger disease outbreaks, particularly in areas with severe overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and limited healthcare access.
The WHO has delivered nearly 60 tonnes of medical supplies to 40 facilities across 10 Yemen governorates. However, several lifesaving supply lines in the organisation's Aden warehouse are already at zero stock, including trauma kits and essential medicines. The WHO is appealing for more funding to support its response efforts, but has so far secured only $2 million of the $9 million it needs.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in a significant increase in civilian casualties, with hundreds of people killed or injured in recent fighting. The UN rights chief has expressed concern over the swelling civilian toll, and the country's leader has requested assistance from the US to combat the Houthi rebels. The situation in Yemen remains dire, with many civilians facing severe humanitarian needs.
The WHO's warning comes as the international community continues to grapple with the crisis in Yemen. The country's health system is in urgent need of support, and the WHO is calling for increased funding and resources to help address the humanitarian crisis. The situation in Yemen is likely to remain a major concern for the international community in the coming months.
The crisis in Yemen has significant implications for the region, and the international community is urged to take action to support the country's health system and address the humanitarian crisis. The WHO's efforts to deliver medical supplies and support healthcare services are critical to preventing further deterioration in the country's health situation.
Key points
- The WHO has warned that Yemen's health system is at "breaking point" due to escalating fighting.
- The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, with at least 145,000 people displaced this month alone.
- The WHO is appealing for more funding to support its response efforts, but has so far secured only $2 million of the $9 million it needs.
