Source: World Health Organization

Aden, Yemen – More than 1.2 million people are set to benefit from a vital initiative to combat measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases in Yemen. The US$ 3 million project launched by WHO and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) aims to significantly boost immunization coverage and measles surveillance over a 15-month period.

The project titled “Strengthened Measles Outbreak Response to Reduce Under-Five Child Mortality in Four Governorates in Yemen” targets 1 205 336 beneficiaries across Aden, Hajjah, Saada and Taiz – 4 of the governorates most affected by Yemen’s current measles outbreak. Solar refrigerators will also be provided to 81 health facilities as part of the project, ensuring greater access to vaccination services.

The impact of these efforts will be carefully monitored through strengthened routine surveillance data, with progress visualized via dashboards that track vaccination coverage and surveillance trends.

Yemen has faced recurrent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, severely affecting health care delivery and increasing humanitarian needs. Destruction of health infrastructure, economic suspension and large-scale displacement have strained the health system – especially in the 4 target governorates, which are home to over 25% of Yemen’s under-five population.

Discriminatory norms and misconceptions about vaccination have led to alarmingly low immunization rates, leaving children vulnerable to diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria and pertussis.

To address these challenges, the project will be rolled out in 77 districts across the 4 target governorates. The project will involve 770 health facilities and deploy 1540 health workers to ensure regular vaccination throughout its duration.