Towards zero malaria in Yemen, WHO calls for action

In the context of ‘World Malaria Day 2025,’ the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a call for urgent action to address the ongoing malaria crisis in Yemen. The nation is grappling with a weakened health system, exacerbated by years of conflict and the repercussions of climate change, which have compounded the challenges of combating the spread of the disease. In 2024, Yemen documented 210,022 confirmed cases of malaria, with 18 related fatalities. The WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP) and its partners, is intensifying its endeavours to guarantee context-specific approaches, ensuring timely diagnosis and effective treatment, particularly in the most remote regions of the country. At present, a total of 1,735,000 suspected cases have been tested in both sentinel and peripheral health facilities. In the realm of malaria prevention, concerted efforts are being made to fortify surveillance systems, combat the emergence of drug and insecticide resistance, and advocate for community-level vector control measures. These efforts encompass the mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), among other initiatives. The objective of malaria eradication in Yemen necessitates augmented national and international investment to address the prevailing financial constraints, as asserted by the Acting WHO Representative in Yemen, Dr Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo.