As countries look to ease their lockdowns, COVID-19 is spreading through Yemen like wildfire amidst its collapsed healthcare system, what the United Nations previously called the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis” and vast uncertainty due to warring sides covering up the virus’ spread. Meanwhile, the international community continues to fail to address the country’s turmoil. 

The war in Yemen led by Saudi Arabia started in March 2015 – armed with billions of pounds worth of British and American military equipment and launched under the pretext of defeating the Iran-backed Houthi rebels’ insurgency and restoring the internationally recognised government. It has laid waste to Yemen’s infrastructure, often a deliberate war tactic, significantly destabilising the country. 

On 27 April, Yemen confirmed its first case of COVID-19, raising concerns for a country already suffering huge epidemics including the worst Cholera outbreak in recorded history, along with millions of people suffering from malnutrition and famine. Around half of the country’s healthcare facilities are not functioning and it has very limited intensive care unit beds, equipment and medical ventilators. More than 80% of Yemenis relied on external aid to survive before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. 

Though official statistics show 255 cases of the virus in Yemen as of 28 May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated in April that there is a “very real probability” that COVID-19 is circulating undetected within communities. Activists in Yemen have told Byline Times that tens of thousands may have the virus, while WHO modelling suggests that half the population could become infected and around 40,000 people could die.