Yemen’s Marib Declares Health Emergency Amid Measles Outbreak

Marib – Local authorities in Marib governorate declared a public health emergency Sunday to confront the rapid spread of measles, after dozens of deaths and infections were reported since the start of the year.

Deputy Governor Abdulrabbu Miftah announced during a broad health cluster meeting with officials and representatives of international and local organizations that the governorate has recorded 1,624 measles cases, including 290 laboratory‑confirmed infections and 12 deaths.

Miftah said most cases were concentrated in 36 displacement camps, warning that the figures represent a dangerous indicator requiring strengthened epidemiological surveillance and expanded vaccination and awareness campaigns. He urged immediate interventions targeting camps and densely populated areas to curb the outbreak.

He noted that the continued influx of displaced families into Marib has placed additional strain on the health sector, already struggling with limited resources and growing humanitarian needs.

Marib remains one of Yemen’s largest hubs for internally displaced persons, hosting hundreds of thousands who fled conflict over the past 12 years. 

The influx has further burdened health services and infrastructure, which face mounting challenges from population growth, funding shortages, and recurring epidemics.

UN agencies have repeatedly warned that Yemen’s health and humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with outbreaks like measles underscoring the urgent need for sustained international support.