One-Quarter of Yemenis Require Mental Support, UN

The continued deterioration in health and economy, the increase in malnutrition, and the repeated outbreaks of diseases have led to the collapse of the Yemeni healthcare system, according to UN data.

WHO warned that "some 46 percent of health facilities across the country are only partially functioning or completely out of service, due to shortages of staff, funds, medicines, and others."

The UN reported that one-quarter of Yemenis are in dire need of mental care due to the traumas resulting from the nine-year conflict.

In concurrence with World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, the United Nations Population Fund noted that nearly one in four Yemenis suffer from mental health disorders, mainly as a result of living for years in conflict, and require medical intervention.

UN organizations concerned with supporting the Yemeni health sector reported that the coup and war have caused mental and psychological damage to more than 5.5 million persons.

"There are only 58 psychiatrists and 120 psychologists in the country as of 2020, and there are also severe shortages in other related cadres such as psychiatric nurses, social workers, and psychologists," according to the WHO.

"The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces an unprecedented number of health emergencies. These are driven by state fragility and conflict, climate change-related extreme weather events, other natural and technological disasters, mass displacement, and economic disparities," WHO added.

"Disease outbreaks, including the resurgence of previously eliminated diseases, are on the rise. So far in 2023, the region has documented 63 disease outbreaks," it added.

The Organization reported that "by mid-2023, over 363 million people globally and 140 million in our Region alone required humanitarian aid, including for health."

"Yemen, often overlooked by the world, remains in distress. Millions of people require health assistance, with health facilities functioning only on a limited basis and dire malnutrition rates among children and pregnant women."

"7.8 million people - 62 percent of the 12.6 million people targeted under the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for 2022 - were thus reached by the WHO with lifesaving health services."

"Protracted armed conflicts have ravaged nine of the Region’s 22 countries and territories, resulting in increased trauma, displacement, and attacks on health care. Compounding this, our Region is the epicenter of 55% of the world’s refugees, putting even further strain in already weakened health systems."

"The impact of climate change in our Region cannot be overstated. In 2022 and 2023, we experienced five of the world’s 10 most significant natural disasters, including drought, massive flooding, and earthquakes."