Health conditions in Yemen came under the spotlight during a video call between Dr. Qasem Buhaybeh, the country’s public health and population minister, and the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy.

During Sunday’s call, the minister underlined the ongoing health crisis and urged donors and international organizations not to overlook Yemen’s plight.

He emphasized the country’s persistent economic and health challenges, especially the surge in cholera cases across some regions which needed immediate intervention.

The minister also talked about the obstacles faced by Yemen’s healthcare system due to ongoing conflicts, compounded by economic hardships and an influx of illegal immigrants, which numbered more than 97,000 entering Yemen in 2023.

Broader areas of health collaboration were also discussed, and an invitation was extended to Balkhy to visit Yemen so she could assess the situation at firsthand.

The regional director welcomed the invitation, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to supporting Yemen, and expressed her readiness to address the concerns raised by the minister.