A critical funding gap threatens the health response in Yemen

New clashes between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified in recent weeks.

More than 200,000 people have been displaced, according to the latest figures from the UN migration agency, IOMwhile nearly 3,800 people have fled to Djibouti across the Red Sea.

WHO said its short-term funding needs had increased from $9 million to $31 million. An additional $700,000 is also needed to support refugees in Djibouti.

“The situation is developing into a complex emergency, with health needs increasing because resources are already very limited,” said Dr. Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative in Yemen.

Health services are struggling to cope

Fighting mainly took place on the coast in Lahj Governorate in southwestern Yemen near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in neighboring Taiz Governorate, and in Marib Governorate in northern Yemen.

As of October 2, there were 959 reported deaths and 4,207 injuries across 10 provinces, according to Yemeni health authorities.

Health services in conflict-affected areas are struggling to meet increasing needs. Nearly half of the region’s health facilities lack partner support, and there are huge gaps in frontline trauma and outpatient care services.

Critical time for maintenance

“For people who experience severe injuries, access to trauma care within the first hour can determine whether they survive,” said Dr. Hussain.

“But the trauma stabilization points on Lahj beach and in Al-Dhale do not have partners to operate them. Only a few institutions are capable of providing trauma care, leaving a critical gap on the frontline.”

WHO notes that refugee families are among those most affected. Of the nearly 198,000 people displaced, less than one percent had received health services as of last week.

Supply shortages, disease outbreaks

Hospitals are facing shortages of surgical supplies, anesthesia, blood bank materials, and fuel, while delivery of critical supplies has become slower and more expensive. Emergency maternity services have also been suspended in Marib and Ras Al-Arah in Lahj Province.

Meanwhile, disease outbreaks are increasingly complicating emergency response. Cholera cases have tripled in three weeks, including infections detected in refugee camps, while cases of dengue fever and malaria have also increased.

More than 22,000 suspected cases of measles and 128 deaths have been reported this year, as the disease spread among refugee children who did not receive vaccinations. Malnutrition among this group is also increasingly worrying. The coming El Niño will likely exacerbate disease outbreaks and malnutrition.

WHO is preparing to scale up trauma and emergency services, outbreak response, and essential health services and supplies, including maternal and newborn care services.

As the primary health coordinator in Yemen, the agency also acts as a provider of last resort when no partner can provide services.

But without urgent additional funding, WHO warns that the gap between available services and needs will continue to widen.