Resumo

GHARAMA AL-RAE, Mohamed  e  MAS BERMEJO, Pedro. Health status of the population in the Republic of Yemen. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2006, vol.32, n.4. ISSN 0864-3466.

In the World Health Report of the year 2000, Yemen appeared in the 141th place out of 191 countries, according to its health status level. There is also a high population growth (3,5%) and a high fertility rate (over 6 children per woman). Most of these indicators are linked to the illiteracy rate that is one of the highest in the region and worlwide. A documentary research work was carried out on the basis of thorough analysis and study of official documents, reports by experts and advisers, and research and survey results, in order to find out the health status of the population. There is a high incidence of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, skistosomiasis, sexually transmitted infections and vaccine-preventable diseases. There is also an increase of prevalence rates of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular illness, kidney problems, cancer and eye diseases. Infant mortality and under-five mortality rates were reduced in the last 43 years. At present, Yemen has lower rates than the average rate of less developed countries but higher than those of some Middle East and North Africa nations

Palavras-chave : Yemen; health status; communicable diseases; noncommunicable diseases; lifestyles; health reforms; child and maternal health.