77 children die of measles in Yemen

In a written statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Yemen noted that the figures regarding the spread of the measles epidemic in the country are alarming.

The same 9,418 measles cases have been detected in Yemen since the beginning of this year, the statement said, adding, "Since the beginning of 2023, 77 children have died from measles."

In the statement, it was reminded that approximately 22,000 cases of measles were detected in Yemen in 2022, and 160 people died.

According to the news reported by Anadolu, it was pointed out that besides measles, diphtheria cases and deaths from such diseases increased.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in a statement on March 19, warned that measles and polio cases were spreading in Yemen.

Due to the civil war in the country and its repercussions, the health sector is experiencing a serious shortage of medical equipment.

CIVIL WAR IN YEMEN

The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have been in control of the capital Sana'a and some regions since September 2014.

Coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia have been supporting the Yemeni government against the Houthis since March 2015.

According to the reports of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 73 percent of Yemeni people (approximately 23.4 million) have become in need of humanitarian aid due to the civil war and 4.3 million people have been displaced.

377,000 people, including more than 13,000 civilians, lost their lives in the conflict.

(AA)