Sanaa, Yemen – Yemen’s escalating conflict is driving a sharp rise in casualties and displacement, while hospitals are being forced to divert resources from maternity care and other essential services to treat the growing number of war wounded, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The WHO’s latest situation report said 809 new casualties — 645 injuries and 164 deaths — were recorded between September 19 and 26, bringing the cumulative toll since August 6 to 4,481, including 838 deaths.

Deaths accounted for 20% of newly reported casualties during the latest reporting period, compared to 24% in the preceding period.

Lahj remained the heaviest conflict front. Al Madharibah wa Ras Al Arah and the Bab Al Mandab coast recorded 47 casualties, including 18 deaths, on September 21, followed by  34 more casualties on September 26.

Marib and Taiz were also among the areas reporting significant casualties.

But the crisis is extending well beyond the battlefield.

The number of displaced families registered across ten governorates rose to 27,413, representing 180,513 people, by September 24. This was up from 17,852 families, or 122,297 people, on September 15.

Aden’s displaced caseload more than tripled to 3,741 families, while Marib and Al Dhale’e were added as governorates receiving displaced people.

WHO warned that the growing displacement is creating a complex health emergency, with communities facing increased risks of cholera, measles, malaria and dengue, alongside disrupted maternal, mental health and chronic care.

Suspected cholera cases reached 7,784 by week 38, with alerts reported at two displacement sites in Aden. Around 40% of newly displaced households on the West Coast rely on unprotected wells or surface water, while nearly one-third have no lockable latrine.

The strain is also affecting emergency maternity services. Comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care has been temporarily suspended at two hospitals in Marib and Ras Al Arah as operating theatres and medical staff are redirected to treating war casualties. Patients are being referred to functioning hospitals.

WHO also reported signs of pressure on health surveillance, with fewer facilities reporting in Marib, Taiz, Ad Dali’ and Aden. Only about 60% of facilities in these areas were fully functional before the escalation.

Emergency supplies are being moved into the country. Between September 13 and 23, WHO’s Aden warehouse dispatched US$655,891 worth of supplies, weighing 59.3 tonnes, to 40 facilities across ten governorates.

WHO has also secured additional funding for trauma and outbreak preparedness, including supplies for cholera, measles, dengue and diphtheria, as well as oxygen cylinders and rapid response kits.