Beyond the Battlefield: Examining Acute Kidney Injury in Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a growing yet under-recognized public health threat in Yemen, where ongoing conflict has exacerbated vulnerabilities to infectious diseases and waterborne illnesses. Sepsis and severe dehydration secondary to diarrheal diseases such as cholera are leading contributors to AKI incidence, especially in a region with a collapsing health infrastructure and limited access to dialysis. Objective: This review consolidates existing evidence on the burden, causes, and outcomes of infection-related and dehydration-induced AKI in Yemen. It emphasizes systemic gaps in surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and treatment, and suggests practical interventions for low-resource, conflict-affected settings. Methods: A structured search of international databases and grey literature was conducted, including sources from humanitarian agencies and regional health authorities. Studies reporting on AKI incidence, etiologies, and healthcare access in Yemen from 2014 to 2024 were included. Results: The data indicate a disproportionate burden of AKI among children and internally displaced populations within cholera-endemic governorates. Shortages of dialysis resources, delayed diagnoses, and underreporting collectively worsen mortality risks. Most documented AKI cases are associated with hypovolemia, systemic infections, and a deficiency in preventive measures. Conclusion: Infection-driven and dehydration-related AKI are critical yet preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in Yemen. Integrating AKI prevention into diarrheal disease programs, scaling up oral rehydration and sepsis management, and strengthening community health systems are essential to mitigating renal complications and saving lives.