The Health Minister discusses ways to enhance collaboration with the World Health Organization.

Minister of Health Discusses Epidemic Response with WHO Representative

In a significant meeting held today in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, Dr. Qassem Baheeb, the Minister of Public Health and Population, engaged with Dr. Freema, the acting representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Yemen. The two leaders explored ways to enhance collaborative efforts in combating epidemics.

Addressing Current Health Challenges

During the meeting, both officials examined strategies to improve health operations, especially given the ongoing epidemic challenges facing the country. They emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to tackle these pressing health issues effectively.

Focus on Disease Control

The discussion also covered technical and logistical aspects related to controlling widespread diseases in several provinces. Key concerns included dengue fever, malaria, acute watery diarrhea, and cholera. These diseases pose significant threats amid the country’s challenging environmental and living conditions.

Strengthening Support from WHO

Dr. Baheeb highlighted the critical need for increased technical and logistical support from the WHO. This support would bolster national programs focused on epidemic surveillance, rapid response, and urgent medical interventions. Additionally, he stressed the importance of community engagement in combating these diseases and improving the infrastructure of health facilities, as well as training medical personnel in affected areas.

Coordinated Emergency Response Plans

The Minister pointed out the necessity for joint coordination in developing emergency response plans based on updated epidemiological data. He urged for a thorough analysis of disease trends and an increase in community awareness regarding the risks associated with mosquito-borne and waterborne diseases. Dr. Baheeb asserted that effectively addressing these epidemics requires a harmonious and integrated approach between the Ministry and international partner organizations, particularly the WHO.

Building on Past Successes

Dr. Ali Al-Walidi, the Undersecretary for Primary Health Care, emphasized the importance of leveraging past successes in malaria and cholera control programs. He praised the WHO’s role as a strategic partner in various stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Enhancing Analytical Capabilities

Dr. Al-Walidi also stressed the need to enhance the Ministry’s capacity for epidemiological analysis and the formulation of prevention and response strategies. He called for the development of capacity-building programs and specialized training courses for health personnel, which would positively impact the speed and accuracy of epidemic responses.

WHO’s Commitment to Collaboration

In response, Dr. Freema expressed the WHO team’s readiness to continue close collaboration with the Ministry, particularly in rapid epidemic response and disease control. She assured that the WHO would provide technical support, expert advice, and work together to strengthen the early warning system and epidemiological surveillance, as well as facilitate the provision of emergency medical supplies and protective materials.

This meeting marks a crucial step in reinforcing Yemen’s health response capabilities in the face of ongoing public health challenges.

To follow the news in Arabic