Yemen’s health sector is experiencing one of its most difficult periods in history, a consequence of years of conflict that have eroded infrastructure and deteriorated basic services, leaving millions of Yemenis facing dire humanitarian and health challenges. Amid this crisis, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in preventing the collapse of the health system, through a strategy that has shifted from emergency relief to sustainable development, ensuring the continued provision of medical care to those in need across Yemen’s governorates.
Existential challenges facing the health system
The Yemeni Deputy Minister of Health and member of the Presidential Council of the Southern Movement, Dr. Jalal Baawda al-Humairi, revealed the complex health situation in Yemen's governorates. He explained that the challenges are not limited to the destruction of buildings, but extend to the weak operational capacity of hospitals, the shortage of medical and nursing staff due to the emigration of skilled professionals seeking better living conditions, and the severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies. These factors combined have led to the closure of a large number of health facilities, further straining the remaining hospitals, which are operating beyond their capacity.
Fears of a return of epidemics and diseases
The Yemeni official warned of alarming indicators regarding the resurgence of epidemics and infectious diseases such as polio, measles, and diphtheria, along with a significant increase in cases of cancer, kidney failure, and pregnancy complications. He also noted a marked deterioration in the psychological and emotional well-being of citizens due to the pressures of war and dire economic conditions. The fuel crisis and power outages have exacerbated this suffering, threatening the shutdown of vital departments such as intensive care units and dialysis centers, thus jeopardizing the lives of thousands.
The Saudi role: From relief to sustainable development
In the face of these challenges, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in bridging the significant gap in healthcare services. Dr. Al-Humairi emphasized that Saudi support has not been limited to financial aid, but has also included the rehabilitation of facilities, the provision of medical equipment and medicines, and the operation of hospitals. The projects of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center are at the forefront, implementing high-quality programs such as open-heart surgeries, the fitting of prosthetic limbs, and combating malnutrition, which have had a direct impact on saving lives and alleviating the financial burdens on Yemeni families.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital and major medical projects
As part of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, the opening of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden stands out as a prime example of Saudi Arabia's high-quality support. The hospital provides advanced medical and therapeutic services across multiple specialties, contributing effectively to the healthcare system in the interim capital and surrounding areas. In addition, King Salman Medical City in Al Mahrah Governorate is one of the largest modern healthcare projects, featuring a 110-bed hospital equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Other projects include equipping the Seiyun Hospital in Hadramawt and preparing to open the Socotra Hospital and the Authority Hospital in Shabwa.
A political horizon that supports health stability
On the political front related to overall stability, Dr. Al-Humairi emphasized the importance of the anticipated South-South dialogue to be held in Riyadh. He considered this dialogue a historic opportunity to unify visions under a legitimate regional and international framework, affirming that Riyadh would provide the necessary guarantees for implementing the dialogue's outcomes. This, he asserted, would contribute to ending the chaos and achieving stability that would positively impact all service sectors, especially the health sector.
