Updated: 18 November 2019, Yemen – Over 4 years of conflict in Yemen have resulted in the displacement of over 2 million people, destroyed infrastructure and taken systems to the brink of collapse. Yemen, like the majority of countries in conflict, has sustained massive damage to its infrastructure. The successive onslaught of heavy rains, resulting in flash floods and inadequate drainage have turned harmless puddles into active mosquito breeding sites. These larvae are given space and time to turn into adult mosquitos who then infect people.
“Containing these diseases has been a challenge given the operational environment and scale of this conflict, but WHO remains commited to the people of Yemen. These vector control measures along with sustained community involvement can improve vector control efforts substantially. We will continue working with local health authorities to fight all diseases that serve as a threat to public health in Yemen,” said Altaf Musani, WHO Representative in Yemen.
In Yemen, malaria and dengue are endemic, while for dengue the number of suspected cases (as of 18 Nov 2019) is at 29 509. WHO, with the support of health authorities in Yemen, have been fighting dengue and malaria for years. In the first 2 weeks of November alone, we have continued to provide response kits enough to treat 15 000 people, deployed technical teams to investigate suspect cases, provided diagnostics and laboratory support for vector-borne diseases, IV solutions, and built the capacity of health care staff in health facilities to treat these diseases. In communities, WHO along with support from local health authorities, has continued to educate communities and conducted mass spray campaigns to kill these mosquitos.
Malaria and dengue are known as vector-borne diseases that are transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. These vector-borne diseases affect many countries across the globe, including Yemen. An estimated 70% of the world’s malaria burden is located in 11 countries — 10 of which are in Africa and 1 in India. As for dengue, an estimated 390 million infections are recorded every year, worldwide.
