Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A World Health Organization (WHO) supported programme has expanded access to emergency surgery, maternal and child health services, outbreak response, and chronic disease treatment in four remote districts of Yemen heavily affected by years of conflict. More than 42,000 people—including internally displaced families, women, children, and patients with chronic illnesses—have benefited from the initiative in Abyan, Al Bayda, Al Husha, and Far' Al Udayn.
Between August 2025 and February 2026, WHO-supported surgical teams performed 864 operations across hospitals in Al Bayda, Far' Al Udayn, and Lawdar, nearly double the target of 462 procedures. The programme also supplied essential medicines and trauma equipment, enabling frontline health workers to continue treatment despite resource limitations.
To address outbreaks of cholera, measles, and other infectious diseases, WHO equipped health facilities with emergency medicines, oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids, and rapid response kits. Health teams undertook 207 field missions to investigate suspected cases, trace contacts, and contain disease spread, surpassing the original goal and helping reduce wider outbreak risks.
The initiative supported maternal and child health services at two hospitals, providing over 14,000 obstetric and gynecological consultations, more than 4,600 antenatal visits, and over 12,000 pediatric consultations. Nearly 2,700 deliveries, including Caesarean sections, were assisted without any maternal deaths recorded during this period.
Continuity of care for patients with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease was maintained by supplying essential medicines to four health facilities, benefiting over 5,200 patients and helping prevent serious complications.
Dr. Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative in Yemen, stated that support from the Yemen Humanitarian Fund by OCHA has been crucial in ensuring vulnerable communities continue to access lifesaving health services during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.