ASIA/YEMEN - The critical health situation after a year of conflict

Saturday, 9 April 2016 healthcare  

Julien Harneis

Sana'a (Agenzia Fides) - Data reported by WHO: Since the escalation of the conflict in Yemen, more than 6000 people have been killed and 30 000 injured in Yemen. More than 21 million people, 82% of the total population are in need of humanitarian aid, including almost 2.5 million people who have been internally displaced. More than one third of people in need live in inaccessible or hard-to-reach areas. Even before the current conflict, the health system in Yemen had been facing some challenges, and ongoing violence has led to further deterioration of the health situation. Almost 19 million people lack access to clean water and sanitation, placing them at risk of infectious diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and cholera. More than 14 million Yemenis are in need of urgent health services, including more than 2 million acutely malnourished children and pregnant or lactating women requiring treatment. Yet despite these critical needs, 25% of all health facilities have shut down due to damages or shortages in staff, medicines and other resources. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 09/04/2016)


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