Sanaa:The prolonged closure of Sanaa International Airport has transformed from a political or military issue into what many describe as a form of collective punishment affecting millions of lives in Yemen. The airport's closure severely impacts the healthcare system, preventing the entry of refrigerated medicines and the travel of patients who require urgent medical treatment abroad.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Ministry of Health reports that the continued closure for over a decade has resulted in a shortage of more than 1,600 pharmaceutical items. This includes over 12 types of cancer drugs being banned from entry, affecting thousands of patients. The lack of access to vital medical supplies has left 40,000 patients with thalassemia and hemolytic anemia suffering from a shortage of necessary drugs, and more than 8,000 kidney failure patients without access to required medical equipment and medicines.
Statistics reveal that over 17 million people are experiencing acute hunger, with 630,000 children in critical condition. More than 20 million citizens lack basic healthcare, and the shortage of cancer, kidney failure, and diabetes treatments has led to life-threatening situations. Additionally, the siege has worsened intractable medical cases and halted treatment opportunities.
The Ministry of Health highlights that the airport's closure has disrupted the medical supply chain, making it difficult to transport special-condition medicines. It emphasizes the urgent need to reopen the airport to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, as the continued siege has led to a collapse in the health system, depriving thousands of specialized care.
Dr. Abdullah Thawaba, Director-General of the National Oncology Center, states that cancer patient numbers have doubled since 2015, reaching 8,250 in 2025. The center struggles to provide services due to the siege, which blocks essential medicines and medical supplies. Dr. Abdul-Ilah Al-Harazi from the Health Laboratories Center reports severe shortages in laboratory solutions and medical supplies, leading to near-total paralysis in laboratory services.
Ministry of Health spokesman Dr. Anis Al-Asbahi warns of the closure's multi-level impacts on the health sector and humanitarian situation, including the spread of diseases due to insufficient medical supplies. The siege has exacerbated what is considered the worst humanitarian crisis, with over 24 million people needing aid.
