WHO Yemen: World Immunization Week 2026: WHO calls for every generation to be protected in Yemen

24 April 2026, Aden, Yemen 

The World Health Organization (WHO) is marking World Immunization Week 2026 with the theme, “For every generation, vaccines work.”

Observed from 24 to 30 April, the week highlights the lifesaving power of vaccines. This year’s campaign amplifies a simple message – “Your decision makes a difference. Get vaccinated”.

Vaccines have been protecting people from preventable diseases for more than 200 years. Over the last 50 years alone, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives- the equivalent of six lives every minute, every day, for five decades. Vaccination has contributed to a 40% improvement in infant survival globally, enabling millions of children to live healthier lives, free from preventable disease. In Yemen, as elsewhere, vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in public health. Despite ongoing challenges, including), A sustained outbreak of Polio Variant type 2 (cVDPV2) has persisted since 2021, underscoring ongoing immunity gaps.

In 2025, a total of 31 VDPV cases were reported across Yemen representing a substantial decline from the 187 cases reported in 2024. Measles remains endemic in Yemen, with a persistently high disease burden reported since 2020. In 2025 alone, the country recorded 27,560 confirmed measles cases and 218 associated deaths nationwide. Vaccination remains a critical pillar in protecting children and communities across the country from vaccine‑preventable diseases such as Measles, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis and tetanus.

WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and with the support of partners including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), continues to strengthen routine immunization services, expand integrated outreach and enhance sensitive Vaccine preventable disease surveillance across the country.

Recent progress in 2024-25 underscores the impact of sustained immunization efforts in Yemen. Nine outreach rounds reached 542,183 children, including 119,702 zero‑dose children. Through the HEER response, 2.1 million children received measles–rubella (MR) vaccination, while four nOPV2 polio campaigns successfully protected 1.4 million children under five years of age, achieving 100% coverage. These achievements were further reinforced by system‑strengthening efforts, with more than 18,832 immunization staff trained to improve service delivery, and 800 polio and VPD personnel enhancing their capacities in surveillance, outbreak investigation, and specimen management.

“Vaccines save lives, protect futures and strengthen communities,” said WHO Representative in Yemen, Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, “This World Immunization Week, we call on all families, communities and partners to play their part to ensure every child in Yemen has access to vaccines to safeguard them from a wide range of preventable diseases. Protecting every generation starts with the action we take today.’’

Vaccination is essential at every stage of life. From early childhood adolescents, pregnant women and older adults, it reduces the risk of severe illness and death and are among the most cost-effective tools to safeguard public health, reducing families’ financial burden by protecting them from the effects of diseases. 

This World Immunization Week, WHO calls for strengthened collective action to build trust, promote accurate information and ensure equitable access to vaccines for all. In Yemen, protecting future generations depends on creating sustainable systems that reach every child, everywhere with vaccines.

Your decision makes a difference Ensure people of all ages receive their vaccines.

Media contacts

WHO Yemen Communications

Email: mediayemen@who.int

About WHO

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinate responses to health emergencies and advance well-being for all.