Yemen Vaccination: IRC Fights Disease Surge
IRC Supports Yemen‘s National Strategy to Combat Preventable diseases and Strengthen Healthcare
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New initiative aims to address rising mistrust and misinformation hindering vital vaccination efforts in a country facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
Yemen is grappling with a critical health crisis, exacerbated by years of conflict and instability. A new national strategy, launched with support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to turn the tide against preventable disease outbreaks and improve access to essential healthcare for millions of Yemenis, particularly children. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as mistrust and misinformation threaten to undermine vaccination efforts and reverse hard-won gains in public health.
Addressing a Critical Need in Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict in yemen has devastated the country’s healthcare system, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles, polio, and cholera. Food insecurity, economic collapse, and displacement further compound these challenges. The IRC has been a frontline responder in Yemen since 2012, scaling up its operations in 2015 to address the escalating humanitarian needs.
“The launch of this strategy comes at a critical moment,” says a, the IRC’s Country Director in Yemen. “Mistrust and misinformation are costing lives. Communities are asking for safe, respectful, and accessible care. At the IRC, we are proud to support this effort alongside the Ministry of Health and local leaders. By working together with families, we can turn the tide against preventable disease outbreaks and give manny children in Yemen a healthier future.”
The new strategy focuses on strengthening the healthcare system at the community level, improving vaccine coverage, and addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy. Key components include:
Community Engagement: Building trust with local communities through culturally sensitive health education programs.
Strengthening Healthcare Worker Capacity: Providing training and support to healthcare workers to ensure they have the skills and resources needed to deliver quality care.
Improving Supply Chain Management: Ensuring a reliable supply of vaccines and other essential medical supplies.
Combating Misinformation: Addressing false narratives about vaccines through targeted dialog campaigns.
Integrated Healthcare Services: Combining vaccination programs with other essential health services, such as nutrition support and maternal and child health care.
IRC and Gavi Partnership: Delivering Millions of Vaccine Doses
The IRC’s partnership with Gavi has been instrumental in reaching vulnerable populations with life-saving vaccines. to date, Gavi support has enabled the IRC and its local partners to deliver over 14 million vaccine doses and provide first-time vaccinations to more than 1.4 million children living in conflict and crisis.
Mesfin Teklu Tessema, Head of the IRC’s Health Unit, emphasizes the importance of continued investment in Yemen’s health infrastructure. “At the IRC, we are proud to partner with Gavi in advancing the fight against preventable diseases in Yemen and globally. Protecting and expanding gains in Yemen and other fragile and humanitarian settings must remain a priority as Gavi begins to implement its new global strategy with $9 billion in recent donor pledges.”
This collaboration highlights the critical role of international partnerships in addressing complex humanitarian challenges. By working together, the IRC and Gavi are making a tangible difference in the lives of Yemeni children and families.
IRC’s Comprehensive Response in Yemen: Beyond Vaccination
The IRC’s work in Yemen extends far beyond vaccination programs.The organization provides a comprehensive range of services to address the multifaceted needs of the population, including:
Emergency Aid: Providing food, water, shelter, and other essential supplies to those affected by conflict and displacement.
Healthcare and Nutrition Services: Operating clinics, providing medical care, and treating malnutrition.
Economic Support: Offering cash assistance, livelihood training, and small business grants to help families rebuild their lives.
WASH Programming: Improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Protection Services: Protecting women and children from violence and abuse.
Between 2022 and 2024,the IRC reached over five million people across 11 crisis-affected governorates in Yemen,including 1.7 million people in 2024 alone, with over one million being women. The IRC’s approach focuses on strengthening local capacity, delivering integrated services, and building long-term resilience against future crises.
The IRC remains committed to supporting the people of Yemen and working towards a future where all Yemenis have access to the healthcare and resources they need to thrive.
About the IRC:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives have been