MARIB — Health authorities in Yemen’s Marib governorate have confirmed the deaths of four children due to diphtheria, raising alarm over the resurgence of the deadly disease in conflict-affected regions. The announcement comes amid a broader national outbreak that has strained the country’s fragile healthcare system.

Local officials stated that the children succumbed to complications from diphtheria after limited access to antitoxins and delayed medical intervention. The cases were reported in rural areas where vaccination coverage remains critically low and health infrastructure is severely weakened.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacteriaAl infection, has seen a troubling rise across Yemen in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1,671 suspected cases and 109 deaths were recorded nationwide in 2023 alone, marking a 57% increase compared to previous years.

Medical teams in Marib have launched emergency awareness campaigns and are coordinating with humanitarian agencies to secure additional supplies of diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. However, health workers warn that without urgent international support, the outbreak could spread further, especially among displaced populations and children in overcrowded camps.

The Ministry of Public Health and Population has urged families to seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing, and emphasized the importance of routine immunization to prevent future fatalities.

Yemen’s prolonged conflict has severely disrupted vaccination programs and access to basic healthcare, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases. Humanitarian organizations continue to call for safe access to affected areas and increased funding for epidemic response.