At least 161 people dies of measles in Yemen last year, OCHA says
The UN's humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) has reported that Yemen saw 161 deaths from measles in 2022, with over 22,000 cases recorded.
According to a report from OCHA on humanitarian updates, there have already been 9,418 cases of measles in Yemen in 2023, with 77 children having died as a result.
Diphtheria and pertussis cases are also increasing, with deaths from each disease rising, the report said.
Yemen's already strained health system, combined with low levels of vaccine-preventable disease immunity, increases the likelihood of further outbreaks.
Additionally, the lack of immunization has significant negative impacts on households, which may struggle to afford hospitalization costs.
Tragically, children bear the greatest burden of these outbreaks. (ILKHA)