Khabar Khair (Only Good News)

With the support of the Government of Japan, the International Organization for Migration provided life-saving health services to some 56,000 people in Al Jufainah, the largest displacement site in Yemen. Seven years of war have undermined the health system in Yemen, with only half of health facilities now operating at full capacity.

Marib governorate hosts the largest number of displaced people in the country, as the United Nations estimates that about 860,000 people have been displaced to Marib since the conflict began in 2015. IOM’s DTM estimates that around 78,500 people were displaced in the governorate in 2021 alone.

The growing needs of people displaced by the conflict have increased the pressure on resources, putting additional pressure on the already weak public health services in Marib.

Thanks to the Government of Japan, we have been able to provide life-saving health care to people displaced and affected by years of conflict,” said Christa Rottsteiner, IOM Chief of Mission in Yemen.

“The need for this support has become more urgent over the past year, as the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated health needs and negatively affected the availability and accessibility of health services,” she added.

She noted that maternal and neonatal mortality rates are on the rise in Yemen, where a mother and six newborns die every two hours. 21.9 million people need support to access health services, according to the United Nations.

“The scale of the needs in Yemen is alarming, and is an indication of just how dire the humanitarian situation in Yemen is,” added Christa Rottsteiner.

With the support of Japan, medical advice and treatment has been provided to conflict-affected and displaced populations, through IOM fixed and mobile clinics.

Services include basic maternity care, which has reached nearly 3,000 women, as well as initiatives to raise awareness among pregnant women about proper practices during pregnancy and childbirth.

The International Organization for Migration also trained 226 health workers on psychological first aid and psychosocial support, in order to enhance their capabilities and improve the quality of health care delivery in public facilities.