Measles in Yemen: children and their families in desperate conditions

Measles in Yemen: children and their families in desperate conditions. When war destroys healthcare systems and preventable diseases return with a vengeance, children become the most vulnerable. In Yemeni hospitals, where medicines and equipment are scarce, parents are forced to buy everything themselves — from medication to food. Behind every measles case is not just a statistic but a story of a struggle for life, where hope intertwines with despair, and a system weakened by years of conflict struggles to cope with a new wave of epidemic.

In the ward of the Yemen Swedish Children's Hospital in Taiz, 18 month old Jarrah Ahd is fighting for his life after contracting measles. What initially seemed like a common fever deteriorated rapidly within days. Doctors are trying to save him, while his family struggles to cover mounting treatment costs. "There is almost nothing in the hospital. When we ask for medicine, we are told there is none. We have to buy everything ourselves — medicine, food, even the most basic items for the patient's attendant. How long can we pay for treatment, accommodation and food? Honestly, this is already far beyond our means," says Jarrah's mother.

According to Yemen's health ministry, in the first half of 2026, 14,470 suspected measles cases and 87 measles related deaths were recorded in government controlled areas. The ministry attributed the deteriorating epidemiological situation to the long running conflict, which has lowered vaccination rates, hampered access to some areas and severely depleted funding and resources. "The Ministry of Health and Population set a strategic goal to eradicate measles by 2015. But unfortunately, the war has led to a sharp resurgence of the disease," said Abdullah Al Qiyadi, deputy director of the Taiz Health and Population Directorate.

While authorities continue to develop response plans, hospitals are struggling with rising patient numbers and extremely limited resources. Doctors say many children arrive in critical condition, making treatment difficult and increasing the risk of complications. "First, we need to raise public awareness. Second, we must expand vaccination campaigns so parents can immunise their children.

And third, communities, organisations and the state must step up to support these cases," said Dr Sami Al Sharabi, director of the Yemen Swedish Children's Hospital. Behind the rising case numbers are Yemeni families living in daily fear for their children's lives. Like Jarrah, young Jawad Al Sabri is undergoing a difficult course of treatment, while his mother anxiously awaits any sign of recovery. "My heart is breaking. He wasn't like this before. Now he can't eat or drink anything. I hope hospitals and doctors will receive the necessary support so they can care for their patients," said the boy's mother.

Doctors have stressed that containing this measles outbreak requires not only treating the most seriously ill children but also expanding vaccination coverage, strengthening medical and epidemiological services, and ensuring timely access to healthcare. Their goal is to protect every child in Yemen. As CCTV+ reports. The measles epidemic in Yemen is not only a medical but also a humanitarian catastrophe requiring immediate international attention, especially as the healthcare system has been shattered by war and access to vaccines and medicines remains critically limited.