On World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is raising the alarm about the dire state of maternal and neonatal health in Yemen, and calling on the international community to increase funding for maternal and neonatal health interventions in Yemen.
A press release by WHO is underscored the urgent need for scaled-up interventions to save lives and protect the well-being of Yemen's most vulnerable.
WHO also called health authorities in Yemen to prioritize and strengthen the health system, and all stakeholders to work together to overcome barriers to access and ensure that every mother and newborn receives the care they need.
"The reality for mothers and newborns in Yemen is heartbreaking," says acting WHO Representative in Yemen Dr Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo. "Behind these statistics are stories of immense hardship and loss. On this World Health Day, we cannot accept this as the status quo. We must act decisively and with unwavering commitment to ensure healthy beginnings and pave the way for hopeful futures.'"
"The future of Yemen depends on the health and well-being of its mothers and children," says Dr Coulibaly-Zerbo. "Let World Health Day 2025 be a turning point, a moment when we collectively resolve to protect and invest in hopeful futures for all Yemenis."