Fighting forces displacement in western Yemen

Since September 2026, renewed fighting on the western coast of Yemen has caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee southward, seeking safer areas amid the conflict.

Airstrikes near a hospital in Mocha

On October 26, airstrikes occurred just meters from the general hospital in Mocha, where medical teams are operating, causing damage to the building and increasing fear among the local population.

Humanitarian needs in Yemen

More than 22 million people in Yemen require humanitarian assistance, with approximately 5.2 million displaced, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The conflict has made access to basic services like water, food, and medical care increasingly difficult.

Houthis launch military offensive

In September last year, Ansar Allah forces, also known as the Houthis, launched a rapid military offensive along the western coast of Yemen, capturing strategic areas such as the city of Mocha and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route.

Impact on medical care and supplies

The fighting has hindered the delivery of medical supplies and ready-to-use therapeutic food to combat malnutrition, as diseases such as measles, acute diarrhea, and cholera are spreading rapidly. The proximity of airstrikes also deters some patients from seeking care.

Displacement and living conditions

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are exposed to precarious living conditions, with more than 230,000 people displaced in September alone. Many have to walk long distances under high temperatures with little food and water, finding refuge in areas like Lahij governorate and Aden.

Struggles for clean water and shelter

In the Atira camp, displaced families face challenges accessing clean water and shelter. Residents report that available water is salty and that many cannot afford bottled water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Rising health risks and medical strain

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera cases have tripled in three weeks, and the lack of access to clean water and sanitation has increased health risks. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, making it difficult to meet the growing medical needs.

Children and pregnant women at risk

The lack of food and loss of livelihoods expose children to acute malnutrition, and the overwhelmed healthcare system makes their care even more difficult. Pregnant women also face challenges in accessing prenatal care, with some giving birth in unsanitary conditions.

MSF's medical support in Mocha

In Mocha, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supports the maternity and pediatrics services of the reference hospital, which has treated more than 600 patients since September. The organization also operates cholera treatment units and provides daily consultations in nearby areas.

MSF's expanded efforts in Aden and Lahij

In Aden and Lahij, MSF's mobile clinics have conducted more than 1,000 consultations since September 15. Women and children make up 70% of the patients seen, with over 20 children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.

MSF's role in Yemen

In Yemen, where the conflict limits access to care, Médecins Sans Frontières provides essential emergency medical services. Despite insecurity and facility closures, the organization supports critical healthcare structures to manage emergencies, treat malnutrition and cholera, and assist displaced populations.