TAIZ — Health authorities in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate have reported a dramatic 80% decline in dengue fever cases since the beginning of 2025, marking a significant public health milestone in one of the country’s most densely populated regions.

According to Taysir Al-Samaei, Media Officer at the Office of Public Health and Population in Taiz, a total of 3,259 cases of dengue and other febrile illnesses have been recorded from January through mid-October. This figure represents a sharp drop compared to previous years, when the region faced recurrent outbreaks exacerbated by poor sanitation, stagnant water, and limited access to healthcare.

“This is a positive result that reflects the combined efforts of the health office, local authorities, and civil society partners,” Al-Samaei stated, crediting coordinated awareness campaigns, mosquito control initiatives, and improved surveillance systems for the progress.

The decline comes amid broader efforts to combat vector-borne diseases in Yemen, where dengue fever has posed a persistent threat, particularly in urban and low-lying areas. Health officials have intensified community outreach, distributed insecticide-treated nets, and launched cleanup drives to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Despite the encouraging trend, medical professionals caution that continued vigilance is essential. Seasonal changes, displacement, and infrastructure challenges could still trigger localized spikes in infections.

Taiz, a city long affected by conflict and humanitarian strain, has struggled with outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya in recent years. The latest figures offer a rare glimpse of success in Yemen’s fragile health landscape.