Health system at breaking point in Yemen

(Vatican Radio) Iran-allied Houthi rebels reportedly took over a military brigade in the central Yemeni city of Taiz this morning after heavy fighting, and day after Saudi Arabia announced an end to a campaign of airstrikes in the country. As the conflict continues the humanitarian situation is also deteriorating.

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As Saudi Arabia announced an end to its month long campaign of airstrikes against Houthi rebels on Tuesday attention was continuing to focus on the humanitarian situation in the country.

There is increasing concern that the health structure in Yemen is at breaking point with the Ministry of Health in the country warning health facilities are struggling to function and facing increasing shortages of medicines and health supplies.

The World Health Organisation  is warning that children are at risk in the conflict ridden Gulf State of diseases such as measles, adding that there are already cases of malnutrition.

Tarik Jasarevic is WHO Spokesperson in Geneva.

"Power cuts and fuel shortages threaten to disrupt the vaccine operation, leaving millions of children below the age of five unvaccinated and this, obviously, increases the risk of communicable diseases such as measles, which is prevalent in Yemen but there is a risk, obviously of polio that has been eliminated from Yemen but again the risk can reappear if children are not vaccinated."

The U.S.-backed airstrikes were launched on March 26 to target Houthis and their allies, who are attempting to take over the country.

Despite ending its ``Decisive Storm'' air campaign Saudi Arabia said it would continue to take action against the rebels as needed.