Yemen : Taiz Official Warns of Rising Malaria Threat as Cases Exceed 22,000

Taiz – A senior official in Yemen’s Taiz governorate has warned of an escalating malaria crisis after more than 22,000 infections were recorded since the start of 2026, marking a sharp increase compared to previous years.

In a public awareness post on Facebook, official Samai described malaria as one of the most pressing health challenges facing Yemen, citing the continued rise in cases and the widening spread of the disease.

He noted that the World Health Organization recently reported that about 64 percent of Yemen’s population is at risk of contracting malaria, with pregnant women and children under five identified as the most vulnerable groups.

According to Samai, earlier studies showed that nearly 60 percent of Yemenis face malaria risk, with between two and three million infections annually and a fatality rate of around one percent of total cases.

The official stressed that the growing number of infections requires urgent collective action, emphasizing that preventive measures remain the first line of defense. 

He explained that malaria prevention depends on controlling mosquito breeding sites, adopting protective measures, and using personal safeguards.

Samai also called for stronger community participation in combating the disease through health awareness campaigns, correcting misconceptions, changing harmful behaviors, and encouraging adherence to preventive practices.

He highlighted the crucial role of media and social platforms in raising public awareness of malaria risks and prevention methods, given their wide influence in spreading health knowledge across society.