SANA’A, 18 January 2018 — The World Health Organization has delivered 200 tonnes of life-saving medicines and health supplies to Yemen. Four United Nations planes carrying the cargo landed in Sana’a Airport this week.
The shipments include essential medicines, insulin vials, antibiotics, rabies vaccines, intravenous (IV) fluids, and other medical supplies and equipment.
“Health facilities and hospitals in Yemen desperately need to replenish their stocks. These shipments are crucial to keeping facilities functioning, and providing patients with life-saving healthcare,” said Dr Nevio Zagaria, WHO Representative in Yemen.
Almost 16.4 million people lack access to health services across the country. For nearly three years, hospitals and health facilities have suffered a serious shortage of medicines and medical supplies, as well as specialized medical personnel. WHO is actively working with local health authorities and health partners to prevent the country’s health system from collapse.
“In Yemen, WHO is working with partners to ensure access to basic health services; strengthen disease surveillance; and provide life-sustaining services to people with chronic illnesses. To do this, we need consistent and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas of Yemen,” added Dr Zagaria.
The WHO supplies were provided with the generous support of the World Bank, the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), UN OCHA, USAID’s Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the United Arab Emirates.
