[21/05/2026 04:37]

GENEVA – SABA
Minister of Public Health and Population Dr. Qassem Buhaibeh discussed Thursday with representatives of the World Bank Group ways to strengthen joint cooperation in support of Yemen’s health sector.

During the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly, and attended by Dr. Shirin Varkey, Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population Practice for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region, along with World Bank Health Economics Consultant Michael Kent, the participants reviewed existing areas of cooperation within the framework of previous World Bank projects.

The ongoing Health, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation Project being implemented in Yemen were also discussed.

The meeting also addressed the most notable achievements accomplished in the health sector despite current challenges, in addition to future steps needed to ensure the sustainability of the health system and enhance its ability to provide integrated and equitable healthcare services to citizens across various governorates. Discussions also covered the importance of expanding local sector participation in healthcare service delivery and ensuring that ongoing health reforms are aligned with the national strategy being developed by the Ministry of Health, in a way that contributes to improving institutional performance and enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens.

Minister Buhaibeh affirmed that both sides agreed on the priorities for the next phase, foremost among them supporting the resilience and recovery of the health sector and strengthening primary healthcare services as the cornerstone of the healthcare system, alongside focusing on sustainable health financing and building the capacities of healthcare workers in prevention, early detection, and management of non-communicable diseases.

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