Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
Children in Yemen face severe health risks due to the fragility of the health system and the ongoing crisis. Poliomyelitis (polio), an infection that affects children under the age of five and causes permanent paralysis, is one of the most significant threats. The confirmation of 29 new polio cases makes the protection of every child even more urgent.
The Ministry of Public Health and Population, supported by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), launched the second round of the National Polio Vaccination Campaign across 12 Yemeni governorates.
Over three days, approximately 15,000 health workers spread throughout Yemen, moving from house to house, in addition to fixed health sites, to vaccinate over 1.3 million children under the age of five.
Mobile vaccination teams, carrying refrigerated vaccine boxes, are working to reach every child in Yemen, from crowded cities to remote villages. Nigwin Abdullah, a community mobilizer, highlights the importance of awareness in this context.
Nigwin explained that the awareness of families has changed thanks to continuous awareness campaigns. They now realize the importance of vaccinating their children after previously believing that vaccines were harmful. Nigwin says: “I am dedicated to protecting children’s health, and encouraging families is what gives me the strength to continue.”
Amal Mohammed, a health worker, confirmed that progress is evident in the vaccination campaigns, as families confidently open their doors to vaccinate their children. Amal says: “With just two drops of the vaccine, a child can be protected, and this gives me hope that Yemen will one day be free of polio.”
Many fathers, like Mahmoud Saleh, have joined the efforts to protect children. He is keen to vaccinate his children and sends a message to hesitant parents: “Do not listen to the rumors; they hinder our progress. By vaccinating our children, we secure their future.”
Across Yemen, parents, community, and health workers are joining forces to form a strong protective shield for children. With every child vaccinated, Yemen takes a step closer to a future free of polio.
