WHO Director: Nearly 20 million people in Yemen need healthcare

Geneva, 17 Sep (KUNA) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that approximately 20 million people in Yemen require health assistance, as malnutrition, cholera, measles, polio, and dengue fever threaten the lives of more residents.

In a post on his social media account on the X platform, Ghebreyesus warned of the consequences of escalating violence and the risk of the collapse of Yemen's health system, amid a growing number of casualties and increasing displacement of the population.

He affirmed the WHO's continued support for the Yemeni Ministry of Health, while noting that access restrictions and funding shortages severely limit its ability to expand operations and meet the growing needs.

In this context, Ghebreyesus called for the protection of health workers and health facilities, and for ensuring safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian partners. He also urged increased international support to address the escalating humanitarian and health needs in Yemen.

(END) AMK/MNF