Yemen patients turn to alternative medicine amid healthcare collapse

Patients in Yemen who cannot afford healthcare or access essential treatment are increasingly turning to alternative medicine, a trend highlighted by recent observations from health workers and aid agencies operating in the war‑torn country. The protracted conflict, which began in 2015, has devastated the nation’s health infrastructure; the World Health Organization estimates that more than half of public hospitals are partially or fully non‑functional, while shortages of medicines, equipment and qualified staff leave millions without basic medical services.

In the absence of formal care, many Yemenis seek remedies from traditional healers, herbalists and unlicensed practitioners, relying on herbal concoctions, spiritual rituals and over‑the‑counter drugs sold in informal markets. While some report temporary relief, experts warn that such practices can delay diagnosis, exacerbate conditions and expose patients to unsafe substances. Humanitarian groups stress the urgent need for increased funding, restoration of health facilities and broader access to affordable, evidence‑based treatment to curb the growing reliance on unregulated alternatives.