Ministry of Public Health and WHO host Yemen Health Forum.

In a significant gathering in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Public Health and Population, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted the Yemen Health Forum today. The forum, themed “Strategic Priorities and Opportunities,” aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing Yemen’s health sector.

Addressing Critical Health Challenges

Participants at the forum delved into the current health situation in Yemen, highlighting the pressing challenges, notably the severe food shortages and malnutrition crisis escalating to affect over 7.7 million people. Additionally, the forum shed light on a substantial funding gap amounting to $141 million, underscoring the urgent need for financial support.

Calls for Continued Support

Dr. Qasim Bahibh, the Minister of Public Health and Population, emphasized the critical phase the health sector in Yemen is experiencing, particularly following the resurgence of deadly epidemics and diseases. This resurgence is attributed to the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the Houthi militia’s actions, including the blockade of medical and food aid to those in need. Dr. Bahibh appealed for sustained support and funding to navigate through these challenges.

Mahmoud Zaher, the WHO’s Aden Office Director, echoed the sentiment, pointing out the vast and multifaceted challenges the health sector faces amidst a critical health situation. The spread of epidemics, acute malnutrition, and food scarcity are exacerbating the crisis, highlighting the need for bolstering the health sector to ensure the delivery of essential services to citizens.

A Gathering of Minds

The forum saw participation from key figures, including Dr. Adham Ismail, Director of Program Management at the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, and Arthur Pecijan, the WHO’s representative in Yemen. Representatives from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, along with local, regional, and international partners and officials, also took part in the discussions.

This collaborative effort underscores the global commitment to addressing the health crisis in Yemen, aiming to forge a path towards recovery and resilience in the face of daunting challenges.

The initiative by the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the WHO to convene the Yemen Health Forum marks a pivotal step towards understanding and tackling the health sector’s challenges in Yemen, with the hope of paving the way for improved health and wellbeing for its citizens.

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