Location: Hajjah Governorat, Beni Kays district
Situation:
One of the most populated and the poorest countries in the Arab world, Yemen has particularly alarming development indicators. In order to strengthen capacity since reunification in 1990, the country has sought to mobilise foreign and national investments. But this is proving slow to get off the ground, mainly because of the unsure political and legal environment. The primary healthcare system only covers 58% of the population's needs. Within this, 80% of the urban population s needs are covered compared to only 20% in rural areas.
Activities:
With the aim of improving medical care for disadvantaged populations and the Yemeni health system in general, Doctors of the World carried out a three-month needs assessment in April 2006 focusing on the feasibility of a structured programme. The assessment included:
• Building up knowledge of the general health context in Yemen;
• Evaluating the health needs of the population and their current access to healthcare;
• Determining a framework for Doctors of the World's operations in Yemen. In December 2006, DoW started a two-year project intended to support primary healthcare facilities in this district.
Outlook:
Doctors of the World will:
• Provide equipment to seven health units and the Toor health centre laboratory and help these units to become operational;
• Set up training, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, for the staff of the units, the health centres and community health workers;
• Develop prevention and awareness raising activities on health and hygiene issues, in partnership with community networks and Yemeni associations;
• Identify solutions to help improve the health system, in collaboration with the health and political authorities.
Project start date: December 2006
End date: On-going
