Yemen’s Health Ministry Warns of Catastrophe as Houthis Block Vaccines for 5 Million Children

Aden – Yemen’s Ministry of Health sounded the alarm Friday, warning of an impending humanitarian and health disaster threatening more than five million children due to the Houthi militia’s continued obstruction of vaccine deliveries in northern areas under their control.

In a statement, the ministry said: “The Houthi militia continues to block access to vaccines and immunization services in areas under its control, practices that risk depriving nearly five million children of life‑saving routine immunizations and expose them to preventable epidemic diseases.”

The ministry stressed that immunization is a fundamental health right for every Yemeni child and highlighted the critical role vaccines have played for decades in reducing child mortality and disease rates. 

It urged that the health sector be kept neutral and that vaccines not be politicized or used as leverage, emphasizing that children are the first victims of any disruption.

According to the statement, immunization services have faltered due to ongoing restrictions and interference with the National Immunization Program and its partners, including the suspension of vaccination campaigns, restrictions on health teams, and interference in humanitarian activities. 

The detention of UN and international organization staff has further curtailed health operations, directly impacting vaccine delivery.

The ministry noted that vaccines allocated for all Yemeni governorates, including those under Houthi control, are available through international supply mechanisms. 

However, persistent obstacles to receiving, transporting, and distributing them have prevented children from accessing the doses they need.

The warning underscores the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access to ensure children in Yemen receive essential immunizations and protection against deadly diseases.