Houthis Accused of Blocking Lifesaving Child Vaccines Amid Rising Health Risks in Yemen

Sana’a — As fears grow over the resurgence of deadly but preventable diseases, the Houthi movement has refused to allow an emergency shipment of children’s vaccines into areas under its control, according to Yemeni government sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat.

The sources said the government responded to pleas from residents in Houthi-held regions, where vaccines have disappeared from health centers, by coordinating with the United Nations to send a shipment. Authorities insisted the doses must not be confiscated or sold, but distributed free of charge to children.

However, the Houthis reportedly rejected the offer, demanding that the UN reopen its offices in their territories and resume suspended activities in exchange for allowing the vaccines in. 

Government officials described the conditions as “impossible,” warning that nearly one million children face growing risks as immunization rates collapse and diseases such as polio and measles re-emerge.

The UN has called for the release of dozens of its staff and humanitarian workers detained by the Houthis, the return of seized assets, and the lifting of restrictions on aid operations. 

Yet, according to the sources, the group has shown little willingness to comply. Instead, some detainees have been referred to a special terrorism court, accused of espionage linked to their work with international organizations.