Thousands of people displaced by conflict in Yemen are at risk of cholera, measles, malaria and dengue as the El Niño season approaches, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean region warned this week.

A four-year ceasefire between Iran-backed Houthi forces and the Saudi-based Yemeni government collapsed in August after Houthi forces attacked Saudi Arabian territory and tankers in the Red Sea.

In the past month, the Houthi forces have captured virtually all of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and effectively control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important route for trade between Europe and Asia.

Nine health facilities have been damaged or directly attacked in the recent conflict, and obstetric and newborn care has been suspended in two hospitals in Marib and Ras Al-Arah to care for those injured in the conflict.

Even before the latest conflict, 60% of health facilities in Marib, Taiz, Ad Dali’ and Aden were functioning.

Meanwhile, 7,784 suspected cholera cases have been reported, including in two camps for internally displaced people (IDP) in Aden.

More than 22,000 suspected measles cases and 128 deaths have been reported this year, and 9,604 dengue cases.

Years of conflict have pushed around 80% of the population into poverty.

WHO reports that it has only secured $2 million of the $9 million it needs to support health in Yemen, and stocks of some lifesaving supplies, including trauma kits and essential medicines, have already run out at its Aden warehouse.

Image Credits: Gabreez/ UNICEF.