Yemen's failing hospitals drive patients toward unregulated herbal cures

Years of war and severe budget shortfalls have left at least half of Yemen's health facilities non-functional, leaving millions without essential care, according to the World Health Organization. In Taiz, Jaleelah Abdul Hameed, a woman in her 50s, was misdiagnosed with a colon issue before being told she has liver cancer; unable to travel abroad, she tried a mixture of ground leaves and honey from a local herbal centre, which she says worsened her condition.

Similarly, 48-year-old Raqeeb Sultan, after months of antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori with no relief, used a plant-leaf-and-honey remedy and reported temporary improvement, though doctors caution that such results are often fleeting. Physicians like Dr Adel stress that only qualified doctors can provide reliable treatment, while herbal seller Ali argues his practice is based on learned tradition and calls for collaboration with hospitals. A source from the Taiz governorate health office explained that complaints against herbal shops are referred to public prosecutors because they fall outside the health department's jurisdiction, and patients like Jaleelah demand stricter oversight to prevent exploitation.