The protracted conflict in Yemen continues to have a profound impact on communities facing humanitarian crises and long-term health challenges. Yemen’s health care system is stretched to breaking point. Crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded households, poor physical conditions, lack of hygiene facilities and often insurmountable obstacles to access to medical care are the norm in many areas. Yet at the same time, Yemen faces some of the highest disease outbreak levels in the world.

Since the start of 2024, Yemen has reported over 11 300 suspected cases of dengue and 890 000 suspected cases of malaria. Poverty and dire living conditions compound the risks to the health and well-being of millions of Yemenis, trapped in a seemingly never-ending vicious cycle.

Recent heavy rainfall in Yemen’s eastern governorates saw torrents flowing through the streets, damaging roads, sweeping away dozens of vehicles, damaging agricultural land, power grids and water sources, and bringing death in their wake.

As the planet warms and rain patterns change, emerging diseases pose a growing a threat. Strategies urgently need adaptation to combat emerging diseases and protect the people of Yemen.