In Yemen, protecting the health of the youngest requires much more than the simple provision of medicines; it is necessary to break down the barriers of misinformation. According to OCHA data, the national health system operates at just 50% of its capacity, a condition that exposes millions of children to preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria.

 

 

 

In displacement camps, where hygienic conditions are precarious, vaccination campaigns are fundamental. However, the spread of unverified news and fear often make access to these services difficult. For this reason, the project funded by the European Union focuses on constant dialogue with communities, in addition to the distribution of medical care.

In the Al-Madaber camp, in the Ku’aydinah district (Hajja), lives Molok, a seven-month-old girl. Although her family lives in an area covered by health services, Molok had never been vaccinated.

In the camp, as in many other isolated areas, unfounded rumors about vaccine safety often circulate. These uncertainties had pushed Molok’s father—worried about his daughter’s health but lacking correct information—to avoid medical centers. Without immunisation, Molok was exposed to extremely high risks in an environment where epidemics can spread rapidly.

To change the situation, the INTERSOS health team and community volunteers chose the path of listening rather than imposition. Through repeated home visits, the staff addressed the family’s doubts with respect and clarity.

Instead of clashing with prejudices, the staff shared clear scientific data and testimonies from other families in the camp who had already vaccinated their children. They explained that the vaccines are the same ones used all over the world, approved by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Over time, mistrust gave way to awareness. Molok’s mother, reassured by the consistency of the staff, decided to take the little girl and her siblings to the health center.

Today, Molok has started her vaccination cycle. It was not just an injection, but her inclusion in a constant monitoring program that will provide her and her family with a safe point of reference for their health.

Molok’s story demonstrates that to protect health, opening a clinic is not enough: you must build trust. Bridging the gap between community rumors and life-saving healthcare is a core mission in Hajjah, where we have successfully reached 5,255 children with essential vaccinations. This achievement was driven by a massive health education push, reaching 7,935 community members, and intensive counseling sessions for over 4,700 mothers. Molok’s family had previously avoided the clinic due to local misinformation, and was engaged by our CHVs during a home visit. After learning about the importance of vaccination and disease prevention, they brought Molok to the facility to complete their schedule. She is now part of the 2,765 boys and 2,490 girls protected against preventable diseases, proving that community-based education is the most effective tool for increasing vaccine uptake in hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to funding from the European Union, our staff can continue to carry out this awareness-raising work, transforming fear into prevention and ensuring that every child is protected from preventable diseases.


(Archive picture)