[25/09/2026 04:27]

NEW YORK-SABA

Foreign Minister and Expatriates Dr. Afrah al-Zouba stressed the need to increase national investment in children and ensure the continuity of essential services amid mounting economic and humanitarian challenges and the impact of Houthi escalation on civilians.

Speaking at a high-level UNICEF panel in New York on protecting children and preventing nutrition crises, held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, al-Zouba said Yemen is preparing a 2026–2030 national health strategy focused on primary healthcare, maternal and child health, nutrition and immunization, as well as building a sustainable and resilient health system.

She said continued Houthi escalation and attacks on populated areas have worsened the humanitarian situation, displaced thousands of civilians and forced some families to flee for a third or fourth time, placing additional pressure on limited resources and hindering government efforts to improve healthcare.

Al-Zouba warned that Houthi practices are obstructing vaccine access for children in areas under their control despite available stocks, while health workers have been detained over their support for child immunization campaigns, putting disease-prevention efforts at greater risk.

She said the government faces the dual challenge of maintaining essential health services, medicines and vaccines while responding to the growing needs of people displaced by the latest escalation.

Al-Zouba praised international support, particularly from UNICEF, saying it has helped prevent the collapse of essential health services under difficult conditions. She called for continued international assistance and stronger cooperation with the Yemeni government to protect children and sustain health, nutrition, immunization and other essential services.

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