Yemen Health Ministry Warns of Imminent Medical Service Collapse in Taiz Due to Houthi Siege

The Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population has issued an urgent warning regarding the potential collapse of essential medical services in Taiz, citing critical shortages of medicine, medical supplies, and fuel caused by the ongoing siege imposed by Houthi militias.

In an official statement, the ministry reported that the persistent blockade is severely hindering the delivery of vital supplies, placing emergency departments, surgical units, intensive care wards, dialysis centers, and neonatal incubators at risk of total closure. These disruptions pose an immediate threat to the lives of patients, the wounded, pregnant women, and newborns.

The ministry further cautioned that the exhaustion of fuel reserves threatens to paralyze power generators and ambulance fleets. Additionally, the lack of electricity jeopardizes the cold chain infrastructure necessary for preserving life-saving vaccines and medications, increasing the likelihood of preventable health complications and fatalities.

Holding the Iranian-backed Houthi militia fully responsible for the humanitarian crisis, the ministry demanded the immediate lifting of the siege. Officials called for the opening of supply routes and the guarantee of safe passage for medical personnel, humanitarian aid, ambulances, and patients requiring urgent care.

The government has appealed to the United Nations and international humanitarian partners to intervene immediately to secure oxygen, medical supplies, and fuel for health facilities in Taiz. Emphasizing that the protection of medical infrastructure is a non-negotiable obligation, the ministry warned that any further delay in the international response will inevitably lead to the cessation of critical services and the loss of additional lives.