UN sending medical help to conflict-wracked north Yemen

The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is rushing medical assistance to northern Yemen, the scene of recent violence pitting Government forces against rebels.

The agency has sent medicine and supplies to treat people who have sustained injuries during the fighting, which media reports say has lasted a week in the mountainous region of Saada. Further supplies will be sent to the area next week.

A senior WHO emergency health officer has been dispatched from Cairo, Egypt, and is set to visit the conflict zone shortly, said spokesperson Paul Garwood.

WHO is waiting for confirmation of casualty figures, and is working with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on a joint health and nutrition response to the current emergency.