The Prime Minister launches the National Health Strategy 2026-2030, urging the development of a sustainable healthcare system.

Prime Minister Launches National Health Strategy 2026–2030 in Aden

On Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Shaya Mohsen Al-Zandani officially launched the National Health Strategy for the years 2026 to 2030 in Aden, Yemen’s temporary capital. This initiative marks a significant step towards national recovery and aims to establish a more resilient, equitable, and efficient healthcare system that meets the needs of citizens.

Importance of the Strategy

During the launch event, Prime Minister Al-Zandani emphasized the strategy’s critical role in addressing the extraordinary burdens the healthcare sector has faced due to the ongoing conflict instigated by the Houthi militia. He highlighted the direct impacts of the war on maternal and child health, vaccination services, nutrition, epidemic control, chronic disease treatment, and emergency response.

“The current phase requires us to shift from emergency responses to sustainable recovery,” Al-Zandani stated. He called for a transition from crisis management to capacity building, advocating for a comprehensive national health system led by state institutions. He stressed that the strategy is not merely a technical document but a national commitment to rebuild the healthcare sector and enhance its ability to serve citizens and protect communities.

Government Commitment and Coordination

The government views this strategy as the national framework for health work over the next five years. Al-Zandani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Public Health and Population in its implementation. He called for improved coordination among government agencies and local authorities, mobilization of national resources, and the development of more sustainable, transparent, and efficient funding mechanisms. Additionally, he emphasized the need to strengthen the institutional framework of the health fund to ensure the sustainability of health facilities and direct resources toward national priorities.

Collaboration with Local Authorities and International Partners

The Prime Minister urged ministries and local authorities to align their plans and programs with the strategy’s priorities. He also expressed gratitude to Yemen’s international partners, acknowledging the support from friendly nations, international organizations, and donors during the most challenging phases of the crisis. He called for continued support in a partnership that enhances national capacities and aligns interventions and funding with the national health strategy’s priorities.

Al-Zandani stressed the importance of directing international support toward capacity building and service sustainability. “We do not want services to cease when a project ends, nor do we want capacities to diminish when funding stops. We seek to transform support into a long-term investment in Yemen’s ability to rely on its institutions,” he stated.

Engaging the Private Sector

The Prime Minister also encouraged the private sector to actively participate in developing and investing in health services while adhering to national standards and regulations governing healthcare operations.

Measuring Success Through Impact

Al-Zandani asserted that the success of the strategy would not be measured by the number of plans and reports produced but by tangible results in citizens’ lives. This includes providing safe maternal care, vaccination and nutrition for children, appropriate medications, and protecting families from health burdens that exceed their capacities. He emphasized the need for health facilities to continue delivering services under various circumstances.

A Shared Responsibility for a Strong Health System

“Building a robust health system represents a shared national responsibility,” Al-Zandani remarked. He linked this effort to a broader project aimed at restoring state institutions, improving public services, and enhancing citizens’ trust in their government. He reiterated that Yemen must transition from crisis conditions to recovery, stability, and development.

He concluded by stating, “We cannot build a strong state with weak institutions, nor can we recover the economy with a community lacking basic health services. Investing in people must become a national priority.”

Acknowledgments

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Al-Zandani announced the official launch of the National Health Strategy for 2026–2030 on behalf of the government. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health’s leadership, committees, experts, and everyone who contributed to its preparation. He also appreciated the support from the World Health Organization, the Geneva Center for Humanitarian Studies at the University of Geneva, and all local and international partners involved in this national endeavor.

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