Childhood vaccine access stalls in Houthi-held Yemen amid agency suspension

The short version

• UNICEF halted operations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in October 2025 following raids on premises and detentions of staff.[Al Jazeera]
• The Health Ministry in Sanaa reported that its final vaccine shipment was received on September 4, 2025, and blamed UNICEF and Gavi for the collapse of supplies.[Al Jazeera]
• The government Health Ministry in Aden warned in late July 2026 that nearly five million children in Houthi-held areas were cut off from routine immunizations.[Al Jazeera]
• Aden officials maintained they had sufficient vaccines for the whole country, while disputes between the rival authorities continue.[Al Jazeera]

Key facts

• UNICEF halted operations in Houthi-held areas in October 2025 after staff members were detained and premises were raided.[Al Jazeera]
• The Sanaa Health Ministry confirmed receiving its last vaccine shipment on September 4, 2025.[Al Jazeera]
• The Health Ministry in Aden stated in late July 2026 that nearly five million children in Houthi-controlled territories were cut off from essential routine immunizations.[Al Jazeera]
• The Health Ministry in Aden stated it had enough vaccines to supply the entire country, including regions under Houthi control.[Al Jazeera]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• ‘Breaks my heart’: Yemen jab shortages spark fears for millions of childrenAl Jazeera