Yemen: The World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis

According to the UN, Yemen is facing the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world.” In July 2024, Mehad launched an intervention program in Yemen, leveraging its experience in managing healthcare systems in conflict zones.

Ten years of war have devastated Yemen, leaving 18 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Healthcare facilities have collapsed, diseases are spreading rapidly, and malnutrition is widespread. Currently, 16.4 million people lack access to adequate healthcare. These figures underscore the urgency of the health situation and the broader humanitarian crisis in the country.

Priority Healthcare Needs

The Yemeni healthcare system is in shambles. Hospitals are facing shortages of medication, staff, and equipment. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable populations. In addition to these challenges, the country is grappling with severe epidemics. For instance, in November 2023, there were 3.000 reported cases of cholera, underscoring the severity of the health crisis. Strengthening health services to address malnutrition, infectious diseases, and war-related injuries is now more critical than ever.

Our Intervention Program

Leveraging its extensive experience in conflict zones, our NGO has decided to intervene in Yemen. Mehad will primarily focus its efforts on the Lawdar Hospital in the Abyan governorate, which is located in the southern part of the country. 

This region faces significant challenges, with many international NGOs withdrawing due to safety concerns. Our advantage in this intervention lies in Mehad’s core mission: collaborating closely with local healthcare providers and strengthening their capabilities.

The Lawdar Hospital, which sees around 70.000 patients a year, provides essential services for which Mehad delivers support and maintenance: 

• Medical Care: emergencies, maternity, trauma care, and surgery.
• Prevention and Treatment: vaccination and diagnostics to combat diseases and counter epidemics.

To enhance local capacities, Mehad also offers specialized training for the staff at Lawdar Hospital, including the “Medical Management of Major Emergencies” course. This training is designed to equip healthcare personnel to handle critical adult and pediatric emergencies within the specific context of Lawdar Hospital, which has limited resources and no CT scanner, among other challenges.

This program is supported by the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

How to Donate to Yemen? 

To support Mehad’s work in Yemen, you can donate by clicking here.