Health
Health collapse in Yemen’s Taiz and Afghanistan’s hospitals; UN starts Western Sahara mission drawdown
Encircled Taiz faces 12 hospitals at risk, leaving over 186,000 children and 23,000 pregnant women without care; Afghanistan’s remote clinics close from funding gaps, while the UN repatriates around 160 observers and around 180 staff from Western Sahara.
American Impact Alliance News Desk2 minute read
Taiz’s health system on the brink
All roads into Taiz have been sealed by Iran‑backed Houthi forces, cutting off commercial supplies and pushing the city’s health network toward collapse. OCHA reports that twelve hospitals are now at risk of shutting down, leaving more than 186,000 children under five and 23,000 pregnant women without essential care. In a single week, health workers recorded over 1,400 cases of acute diarrhoea and suspected cholera, illnesses linked to contaminated water. Displacement has surged, with nearly 300,000 people forced from their homes since August on top of the 5.2 million already displaced. OCHA has provided assistance to around 254,000 displaced people through food, hygiene kits and cash, but needs far exceed supplies.
Afghanistan’s clinics falter under funding cuts
Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies, with about 22 million people requiring aid. UN teams warn that vital health centres are scaling back or closing because of severe funding shortfalls. In the remote Badakhshan province, patients now face long, hazardous journeys to reach the nearest clinic, and Kishim District Hospital lacks the medicines and staff needed to treat them. OCHA officials note a worrying rise in severe malnutrition in the area. Although food is technically available across the country, its price is beyond the reach of millions, deepening health risks for already vulnerable populations.
UN phases out MINURSO in Western Sahara
The United Nations has begun the phased withdrawal of its MINURSO mission in Western Sahara after the Security Council declined to renew the mandate. The drawdown will see the repatriation of 160 military observers and the closure of 13 sites, while around 180 civilian and affiliated staff will also depart. A smaller team from the Department of Operational Support will oversee an orderly handover, including disposal of equipment, archiving of records and termination of local contracts. UN officials stress that the mission’s exit does not diminish the Sahrawi people’s right to self‑determination and call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.