The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and Population in Aden, has launched a new strategy to boost childhood vaccination rates and rebuild trust in immunization across some of the most vulnerable communities in Yemen.
After more than a decade of conflict and crisis, vaccination coverage across the country has significantly declined. Leaving children dangerously exposed to deadly, yet preventable, diseases. Today, fewer than 4 in 10 children aged 12–23 months are fully immunized, and 17% have never received a single shot. This lack of protection has led to serious outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for both expanded immunization and community engagement. Since 2021 237 polio cases have been recorded, and in 2023 alone Yemen recorded over 50,000 measles cases.
This newly launched strategy focuses on several practical steps: enhancing the cleanliness, accessibility, and staffing of clinics, while supporting healthcare workers with training to strengthen communication and foster respectful, family-centered care; and working with trusted community voices–like religious leaders, teachers, and local leaders–to spread accurate information and real-life stories about vaccines.
It also includes sending mobile vaccination teams to reach remote areas, helping families keep track of appointments, and running awareness campaigns through radio, posters, and other local materials.
This initiative is supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and reflects a growing commitment to contribute to strengthen Yemen’s public health system and protect the country’s next generation.
Caroline Sekyewa, the IRC’s Country Director in Yemen, says,
“The launch of this strategy comes at a critical moment. 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".
Mesfin Teklu Tessema, Head of the IRC’s Health Unit, says,
“At the IRC, we are proud to partner with Gavi in advancing the fight against preventable diseases in Yemen and globally. To date, Gavi support has allowed the IRC and our local partners to deliver more than 14 million vaccine doses and reach over 1.4 million children living in conflict and crisis with their first ever vaccinations. 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.”