Conflict impacts reproductive healthcare in Yemen

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has severely limited access to reproductive healthcare for women, with the situation worsening due to the involvement of the Houthis, who are supported by Iran, and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia.

Health facilities repurposed for war injuries

According to the United Nations, only a few facilities that have been repurposed to treat war injuries also provide emergency obstetric care, leaving many women without essential reproductive health services.

UNFPA representative highlights data challenges

Francesco Galtieri, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Yemen, expressed concern over the lack of data on the severity of the situation in areas that are difficult to access.

Communication challenges in different regions

Galtieri noted that while there is some ability to communicate the situation in areas controlled by the Yemeni government, it is difficult to estimate the needs of those in other regions, particularly those under Houthi control.

Displaced pregnant women in urgent need

Galtieri estimated that there are between 5,000 and 6,000 displaced pregnant women in Yemen, with approximately 1,000 expected to give birth in the next two weeks, highlighting the urgent need for medical assistance.

Rising number of displaced pregnant women

Since early September, more than 3,100 pregnant women have been displaced, according to the UNFPA, with the agency previously reporting that nine health facilities supported by the UNFPA had been destroyed or rendered inoperable, and eight others had suspended their services.