Measles Death Toll Among Yemeni Children Rises to 87 in the First Half of 2026

Here is a professional English translation in a journalistic style:

Measles Death Toll Among Yemeni Children Rises to 87 in the First Half of 2026

The number of children who have died from measles in Yemen has risen to 87 by the end of the first half of 2026, while the total number of suspected measles cases reached 14,470 across governorates under the control of the internationally recognized government.

According to a statement issued by Taysir Al-Samai, Director of Health Education and Media at the Taiz Office of Public Health and Population, the fatalities were reported across several governorates. Taiz recorded the highest number of deaths with 18 cases, followed by Aden with 14, Hadramout (Seiyun) with 12, Abyan and Lahj with 11 deaths each, Marib with 8, and Hadramout (Mukalla) with 7. Meanwhile, Al Mahrah and Al Dhale'e each recorded two deaths, while Al Hudaydah and Socotra each reported one death.

The statement noted that no reliable official data are available on the spread of measles in areas controlled by the Houthi group. However, reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that nearly 70% of measles cases are concentrated in those areas, suggesting that the actual burden of the disease is likely higher than the available figures indicate.

The statement also explained that vaccine hesitancy among some parents—driven by misinformation, rumors, and false claims about vaccines—remains one of the leading factors behind the continued rise in measles infections and deaths.

It emphasized that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and curb its spread, urging all parents to ensure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses on schedule to protect them from severe complications, which can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in some cases, death.