PM chairs gov’t meeting on global health funding decline challenges.

In a significant government meeting held in Aden, the temporary capital, Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak presided over discussions focusing on the challenges posed by the decline in international funding for the health sector, immediate interventions required for the sustainability of healthcare services, and the avoidance of a potential disaster.

The meeting reviewed a report from the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Qasim Buhaibeh, which highlighted the urgent response needed due to the reduction of support from health sector partners and its repercussions. Dr. Buhaibeh emphasized that this international funding cut could have catastrophic effects on the health sector, affecting millions of citizens’ lives. It could lead to the closure of over a thousand health facilities, endanger the lives of 500,000 women, deprive 600,000 children of vaccination and healthcare services, and weaken the ability to combat numerous epidemic outbreaks. He pointed out the importance of all health development partners continuing their support to strengthen the healthcare system and improve services for citizens.

The meeting deliberated on several proposals for alternative financing solutions and the necessary coordination with Yemen’s partners, including countries and organizations, to bridge the financial gap in the health sector. It also discussed the integrated roles at the governmental level to ensure the sustainability of healthcare provision.

Prime Minister directed the formation of a committee comprising Ministers of Planning and International Cooperation, Public Health and Population, Water and Environment, and the Executive Unit for Accelerating Donor Absorption. This committee is tasked with preparing a strategic plan to assess the health sector’s needs, map out required international interventions, and identify implementation responsibilities and timelines. He called on international and regional partners to renew their vital and continuous support for healthcare services to overcome current challenges and avert a possible humanitarian disaster.

The meeting was attended by key officials including the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Waed Badhib, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Affairs, Dr. Shaye Al-Zindani, Minister of Finance, Salem bin Breik, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Engineer Anis Baharith, Head of the Executive Unit for Accelerating Donor Absorption, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, and Ambassador Mujeeb Osman, advisor to the Prime Minister.

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