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Vaccine Obstruction Warning
Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population warned that the Houthis’ ongoing obstruction of vaccine delivery and immunization services in areas under their control threatens to deprive about five million children of routine life-saving vaccines.
“threaten to deprive about five million children of routine vaccinations”
In a press statement carried by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the ministry said immunization is a fundamental health right for every Yemeni child and that vaccines are among the most important health interventions that have helped reduce mortality and disease among children.
The ministry said disruptions stem from restrictions and interventions affecting the National Immunization Program and health sector partners, including disruption of vaccination campaigns, restrictions on the movement of health teams, and interference in humanitarian organizations.
It added that the detention of several United Nations staff and international organizations reduced and suspended some humanitarian and health activities, directly affecting the continuity of immunization services and vaccine delivery to children.
The ministry reiterated that vaccines allocated for all governorates, including those under militia control, are available with health sector partners under approved international supply mechanisms, but obstacles to receiving, transporting, and distributing them have prevented delivery to targeted children.
Calls to Depoliticize
The Ministry of Public Health and Population urged that immunization “should not be politicized or obstructed or used as a means of pressure or bargaining,” because the first and last victim is the Yemeni child.
It said the ministry has been following with grave concern reports about the unavailability of vaccines for children in a number of health facilities in areas controlled by the Houthis.
The ministry reiterated its full readiness, in coordination with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the GAVI Alliance, and all health sector partners, to provide vaccines for all children in various governorates without discrimination.
It also issued a professional and humanitarian appeal to health staff in the capital Sanaa and in the governorates under militia control, urging prioritization of the national interest and humanitarian considerations.
In the same warning, the ministry called for guarantees to ensure delivery, storage, and distribution in accordance with international standards and for preserving the integrity of the cold chain.
Risk of Outbreaks
The Ministry of Public Health and Population warned that continued disruption of immunization services would widen immunity gaps and lead to the resurgence of serious diseases that can be prevented by vaccines.
“foremost polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus”
It specifically warned of polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, saying these risks rise as children miss scheduled doses.
The ministry said vaccines are available but obstacles prevent their delivery, noting that restrictions and obstacles imposed by the Houthis hinder receipt, transport, and distribution according to technical standards.
It called for enabling international organizations and health teams to have safe and unconditional access to health facilities and targeted communities, and for allowing technical supervision of immunization programs to build confidence and ensure vaccines reach those eligible.
The ministry also warned that disruptions expose children to the risk of preventable diseases and underscored that children are the first to be harmed by disruptions to immunization services.