The Health Minister launches the Unified Statistics Registry, emphasizing the importance of the Health Support Fund.

In a significant advancement for public health management, Dr. Qassem Bahibeh, the Minister of Public Health and Population, officially launched the Unified Vital Statistics Information System today in the temporary capital of Aden. This initiative marks a pivotal shift from traditional paper-based records to a comprehensive digital registration system.

Transition to Digital Registration

Dr. Bahibeh emphasized the importance of adopting this information system to fully transition from paper records to digital registration. He highlighted that this move aligns with the ministry’s vision to enhance the digital information framework and integrate additional features. Furthermore, he mentioned that the ministry has developed a coordinated plan with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant ministries, as well as health sector partners, to register births and deaths. This collaboration aims to unify efforts and streamline information collection.

Overview of System Development

Dr. Ahmed Al-Saidi, the Director General of Information and Research, provided an overview of the development phases of the Vital Statistics Information System. He detailed the process, which began with evaluation and planning, progressed through implementation activities in selected health facilities, and culminated in today’s official launch, both electronically and in print.

Establishing a Health Support Fund

In a related discussion, Minister Bahibeh stressed the necessity of establishing a Health Support Fund to address the significant health needs in the country. During a virtual meeting with representatives from the World Bank, he stated that limited resources, reduced international support, and the challenging economic situation have compelled the ministry to seek sustainable self-funding sources to meet these needs.

Dr. Bahibeh underscored the importance of the Health Support Fund in covering essential health requirements. He assured that the fund would operate under a governance and transparency framework, fostering trust among citizens and donors alike.

The launch of the Unified Vital Statistics Information System and the proposal for a Health Support Fund represent crucial steps toward improving health services in Yemen. These initiatives aim to enhance data management and secure necessary funding to meet the country’s health challenges effectively.

 

To follow the news in Arabic