WHO says more than 180,000 people displaced in Yemen
The World Health Organization says that, based on data from Yemen’s Ministry of Health, more than 180,000 people have left their homes in 10 provinces since the latest escalation in fighting, a situation that has increased pressure on the health system amid shortages of services and medical supplies.
According to the organization, 4,481 people have been killed or injured in Yemen since August 6, including 838 deaths. It said nine health facilities have been damaged, closed or targeted in attacks.
The WHO warned that overcrowding in displacement sites, limited access to safe water and health services, and shortages of medical supplies have made the situation more difficult. It said that before the escalation in fighting, only about 60% of Yemen’s health facilities were fully operational.
Yemen is also facing outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever and measles. According to WHO figures, more than 7,780 suspected cholera cases, more than 9,600 dengue fever cases and more than 22,000 suspected measles cases have been recorded in the country.
The organization said it has sent 59.3 tonnes of health supplies and equipment, worth about $656,000, to 40 centres and offices in 10 provinces, and has deployed more than 20 mobile health teams to areas hosting displaced people.
