30 July 2024, 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.

“This project represents a crucial step towards improving the health and well-being of Yemen’s children. By increasing immunization rates and strengthening surveillance, we can significantly reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Dr Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative to Yemen.

Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Muallem, Director of the Health and Environmental Aid Department at the center, stated that the project to enhance the response to the measles outbreak aims to reduce child mortality under five years old in four governorates in Yemen. The project seeks to limit the spread of measles through vaccination campaigns in four major governorates where the epidemic has spread. It targets the vaccination of 1,205,336 children through 1,125 health centers where vaccination campaigns will be launched.

The project also includes the purchase of equipment to support the cold chain to ensure sustainable routine immunization services in the selected areas. Additionally, it supports essential activities in the water and environmental sanitation sectors, as these activities play a crucial role in limiting the spread of the epidemic.

Furthermore, the project provides medicines, intravenous solutions, and necessary consumables to treat confirmed cases in all Yemeni governorates. Epidemiological investigation is considered one of the most important essential activities included in the project to ensure verification and timely rapid intervention when measles cases are detected, in addition to transporting samples and supporting laboratory tests.

This partnership between WHO and KSrelief reflects a shared commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of Yemen’s children, reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen the country’s health system.

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About WHO

Since 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

About KSrelief

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) is a humanitarian aid organization established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. KSrelief is dedicated to coordinating and providing international relief to alleviate suffering and provide essential services to those in need.