Child health & cold weather hazards

REPORTS - 7 month ago

Children’s Health in South Yemen: A Silent Emergency

As has been seen recently, South Yemen’s children are facing a dire health crisis as diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malnutrition take a devastating toll. Observations from humanitarian agencies indicate that the cold season exacerbates respiratory illnesses, while poor sanitation and insufficient healthcare systems fuel the spread of waterborne diseases. With 70% of region's population in need of humanitarian assistance, children remain the most vulnerable demographic, often falling prey to preventable illnesses.

According to UNICEF, nearly 2.2 million children in region suffer from acute malnutrition, including 540,000 classified as severely malnourished, putting their lives at immediate risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that acute respiratory infections account for over 50% of deaths among children under five globally, and region's precarious conditions amplify this burden.

In 2023, Yemen saw over 300,000 suspected cholera cases, with children under five representing 25% of those affected. These numbers highlight the intersection of health crises in region: poor water infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and persistent malnutrition.

A Mother’s Despair
A mother in Aden shared her plight: “When my baby got sick with pneumonia, I couldn’t afford the medication. The clinic had run out of free supplies, and the pharmacies charged more than I could earn in a month.” This story mirrors the struggles of thousands of parents in South Yemen.

Why Is This Happening?

The Ongoing conflict has destroyed hospitals and left medical staff overburdened. Over 50% of health facilities are non-functional. Moreover Many families cannot afford basic medical care. With over 80% of the population living below the poverty line, accessing healthcare is a luxury for most especially in north Yemen.

Measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are re-emerging, as immunization campaigns are disrupted. Region's vaccination coverage has dropped below 50% in many areas, compared to the global average of 85%, especially in Houthi' control areas where some anti-vaccination policies are adopted.

What’s Being Done?
Despite these challenges, international organizations are stepping in:

UNICEF has scaled up nutritional services, providing treatment to over 260,000 children with severe malnutrition in 2023.
WHO continues to support cholera treatment centers, delivering supplies and training healthcare workers. Also community health workers are increasingly stepping in to fill the void, offering vaccinations and basic treatments in remote areas.

What Needs to Happen?

Focusing on rebuilding health centers and ensuring they are well-stocked is critical and integrating it with WASH programs through investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities are crucial to prevent diseases like cholera in addition to continued international aid and partnerships with local entities are vital to stabilizing the situation.

A Call for Continued Action
South Yemen’s health crisis is not just a local issue; it’s a humanitarian emergency with global implications. The international community must prioritize this vulnerable region, ensuring that children not only survive but thrive. As UNICEF’s Yemen representative has stated, “Every child saved today is a vote of confidence in Yemen’s future.”

By addressing these health challenges, South & North can take a critical step towards rebuilding its future, one healthy child at a time.

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