The Health Minister discusses interventions by UNOPS and the World Health Organization in Yemen.

Minister of Health Discusses UNOPS and WHO Interventions in Yemen

In a significant meeting held today in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, Dr. Qassem Baheeb, the Minister of Public Health and Population, engaged with Rehana Zawar, the Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Yemen. The discussion focused on the nature of interventions executed by UNOPS in the health sector, including the distribution and quality of these interventions for the fourth and fifth phases of projects funded by the German Development Bank. They also explored future plans for the sixth phase of joint projects.

Importance of Coordination in Health Interventions

During the meeting, Dr. Baheeb praised UNOPS for its vital role in supporting the health sector’s infrastructure. He highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the persistent conflict and deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions in the country. The Minister emphasized the need for effective coordination between both parties to ensure that interventions align with national priorities and the Ministry’s plans.

Dr. Baheeb reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to providing all necessary support to facilitate UNOPS’s efforts. He stressed the importance of creating a clear and updated intervention roadmap that addresses actual needs at the district and facility levels, relying on accurate data and effective partnerships with local health authorities.

Overview of UNOPS Projects

In response, Rehana Zawar presented an overview of various projects that UNOPS has implemented or is currently executing. She noted that the office’s interventions span several governorates, focusing on improving health infrastructure, providing solar energy to health facilities, and implementing water and sanitation projects linked to health service centers.

Strengthening Collaboration with WHO

In a separate meeting, Dr. Baheeb also discussed collaboration with Dr. Noha Mahmoud, the Deputy Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Yemen and the Director of the WHO office in Aden. They reviewed the existing cooperation and coordination in implementing health programs and explored ways to enhance the effectiveness of WHO interventions to meet the increasing health needs across the country.

The Minister underscored the importance of strengthening the WHO office’s presence in Aden, advocating for broader powers to improve health response capabilities and adapt to changing field conditions. He called for continuous and diligent collaboration to address gaps and expand interventions.

Prioritizing Research and Funding Sustainability

Dr. Baheeb stressed the need to prioritize scientific research as a tool for promoting new projects and achieving sustainable funding. He urged both the WHO and various sectors within the Ministry to work together to accurately identify gaps and present them to partners and donors in an organized and strategic manner.

Dr. Noha Mahmoud reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Yemen’s health sector and enhancing its partnership with the Ministry.

This collaborative effort aims to address the pressing health challenges facing Yemen and improve the overall health infrastructure in the country.

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