Yemen: 80% of Health Facilities in 5 Coastal Taiz Districts Non-Operational

Approximately 80% of health facilities in five coastal districts of Taiz Governorate, southwestern Yemen, are non-operational, with only about 20% still functioning amidst severe shortages of medicines, supplies, and medical personnel, according to the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population.

The ministry stated in a release that health facilities in the districts of Mokha, Dhubab, Al-Wazi'iyah, Muqbanah, and Muzay'ah have sustained varying degrees of damage. Numerous facilities have been closed or are operating partially due to damage, looting, and a lack of essential medical supplies, medicines, and healthcare workers.

The statement further indicated that the Martyr Abdulaziz Abdulmaghni Center and the Saudi Field Hospital have been closed, while the Al-Wahjah Health Center is operating partially. Additionally, 18 other health facilities have been shut down.

The ministry warned that over 45 additional health facilities are at risk of closure or service suspension due to the depletion of medicines, vaccines, family planning supplies, and therapeutic feeding materials.

In the districts of Al-Shamayatayn and Jabal Habashy, the ministry reported that all 11 health facilities previously serving affected areas have ceased operations. This cessation has hindered patient access to healthcare, particularly for emergency cases and pregnant women.

The ministry attributed the worsening crisis to road closures, deteriorating communication networks, and a lack of security. It cautioned that the continuation of this situation threatens civilian lives and increases the risks of disease outbreaks and the exacerbation of existing medical conditions. Taiz Governorate has been experiencing intense armed confrontations between government forces and Houthi militias following military escalations by the latter since August.