DHAMAR, YEMEN – A severe measles epidemic has erupted in Dhamar governorate, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) raising concerns that thousands of children are now under threat as Yemen’s healthcare system teeters on collapse.
Between April and July, MSF has treated over 1,400 measles cases in isolation wards at Al‑Wahda Hospital and through mobile clinics across six districts. More than half the patients are children under five, marking a 219% surge compared to the same period last year.
MSF attributes the outbreak to exceptionally low vaccination coverage, limited medical access, and anti-vaccine messaging within Houthi-controlled areas. Médecins Sans Frontières’ country director, Desma Maina, warned that the spike in infections reflects the erosion of Yemen’s medical infrastructure and dwindling humanitarian funding.
MSF is calling for an urgent, coordinated health response, including mass immunisation campaigns and expanded access to treatment. Mobile clinics and hospital teams remain committed, but broader support from all health actors is deemed essential to prevent further deterioration.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.