[14/09/2026 01:40]

ADEN – SABA

Minister of Public Health and Population Dr. Qasim Buhaibeh chaired Monday an expanded meeting of health sector partners (Health Cluster) .

The meeting discussef the latest developments in the country’s health and humanitarian situation amid the Houthi escalation and its impact on the population, health facilities, and healthcare services.

The escalation has resulted in an increase in casualties and displacement, as well as damage to a number of health facilities and assets.

In the presence of the Ministry’s undersecretaries, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Yemen Dr. Sayed Jaafar and representatives of international and local organizations working in the health sector, the meeting reviewed current health and humanitarian indicators and the additional needs arising from developments on the ground.

These include strengthening the preparedness of health facilities, particularly emergency departments, intensive care units, ambulance and referral services, and ensuring the continued availability of essential medicines and medical supplies for people in affected areas.

Minister Buhaibeh stressed the importance of concerted efforts between the Ministry of Health and its international and local partners, and of working as one team to address the health and humanitarian consequences of the Houthi escalation. He emphasized that strengthening emergency response capacity is a priority under the current circumstances.

He also stressed the need to unify efforts and direct available resources and capabilities in line with actual needs on the ground, while enhancing coordination among various health and humanitarian actors. This would contribute to a faster response, save lives, and ensure the continued delivery of essential health services, particularly to the most vulnerable groups and those affected by the events and displacement.

Buhaibeh further emphasized the importance of continued joint work between the Ministry and its partners during the current phase, raising the level of preparedness and field coordination to enable the health sector to respond to any emergency developments and maintain the continuity of health services across different areas.

He noted that partners’ interventions must keep pace with changing needs on the ground and be characterized by flexibility, speed, and complementarity.

For his part, the WHO Representative to Yemen and representatives of the participating organizations underscored the importance of continuing coordination and partnership with the Ministry of Health and unifying efforts to support the health sector and strengthen its capacity to respond to emergency needs resulting from the current developments.

The meeting concluded with a number of proposals and recommendations aimed at strengthening coordination among health sector partners, supporting the preparedness of health facilities and emergency response capacities, and ensuring that emerging developments are addressed according to health and humanitarian priorities and needs.

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