Introduction: A healthcare system struggling to survive
At the heart of one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, Yemen’s health sector stands as a testament to the scale of suffering wrought by years of conflict. The health system faces a complex web of challenges, ranging from funding shortages to structural fragility, disease outbreaks, and the exodus of medical personnel. Against this bleak backdrop, the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a steadfast and influential supporter, providing a lifeline to millions of Yemenis threatened with the loss of their most basic right to health.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Abdulraqib Al-Haidari, Assistant Undersecretary for the Population Sector at the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population, opens up the file on the health situation in all its dimensions, assessing regional and international roles, and revealing the Ministry’s vision for the future of the health sector and its reconstruction.
Background to the crisis: Years of conflict are draining the health sector
The health crisis in Yemen is not a recent development. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2014, the health infrastructure has been systematically destroyed, with more than half of the health facilities either completely or partially out of service. The collapse of the economy and the cessation of public sector salaries have exacerbated the situation, prompting thousands of doctors and nurses to emigrate in search of safety and financial stability. This severe brain drain has left a massive void, particularly in rural and remote areas, where access to specialized medical care has become virtually impossible.
Complex challenges: pandemics, staff shortages, and a funding gap
Dr. Al-Haidari describes the healthcare landscape as “extremely sensitive,” with the system operating in a stressful environment that has made service continuity the biggest challenge. The most prominent challenges include:
- Recurring epidemics: Diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and measles remain a constant threat, exacerbated by the deterioration of water and sanitation services. Al-Haidari emphasizes that any decline in support or preparedness could lead to a rapid relapse.
- Migration of personnel: Al-Haidari considers the migration of medical professionals to be one of the “most dangerous silent challenges,” as the loss of a doctor does not mean the loss of an individual, but rather the loss of years of experience that cannot be easily replaced.
- Damage to infrastructure: The destruction of hospitals and health centers has disrupted vital departments such as emergency services, intensive care, and maternal and child health, which has directly and profoundly affected the quality of services and patient safety.
- Vaccination gaps: The vaccine file represents the first line of defense for public health, and the ministry is working to ensure its continuity despite logistical and financial challenges, with real concerns about vaccination gaps that could lead to the return of extinct diseases.
The Saudi role: A lifeline for the collapsing health system
Amid declining international funding and the withdrawal of some donors from their commitments, Saudi support emerged as a crucial stabilizing factor. Al-Haidari describes the Saudi role as “the most consistent, clear, and influential,” noting that it went beyond emergency response and laid the foundation for the concept of sustainable healthcare.
He adds, “This support contributed to maintaining vital services and preventing the collapse of health facilities at critical moments, which directly impacted saving lives.” Among the most prominent projects implemented by the Kingdom through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen are:
- Supporting and operating major hospitals and health centers in several governorates.
- Providing vital medicines, medical supplies, and supply chains.
- Supporting maternal and child health programs and combating malnutrition.
- Implementing training and qualification programs for Yemeni medical personnel to improve their efficiency.
Al-Haidari emphasizes that what distinguishes Saudi support is the direct coordination with the Yemeni government, which ensures that interventions serve national priorities and respect institutional sovereignty, unlike some other interventions that lacked coordination and led to duplication of projects and weakened the health system.
Regional and international impact: The importance of Yemen's health stability
The collapse of Yemen's health system has repercussions far beyond its borders, posing a threat to regional and international health security. The spread of epidemics in a country plagued by porous borders and ongoing conflict increases the risk of cross-border transmission, jeopardizing the stability of neighboring states. This underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, which Al-Haidari views as a comprehensive partnership that transcends the typical donor-beneficiary relationship. Yemen's health stability is an integral part of the region's overall stability.
A vision for the future: From crisis management to system building
Despite all the challenges, the Yemeni Ministry of Health has a clear vision for rebuilding the health system, based on transitioning from crisis management to building a sustainable system. This vision rests on strengthening governance, ensuring equitable distribution of services, investing in personnel and infrastructure, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms that reduce reliance on emergency aid. Al-Haidari concludes his remarks with a poignant humanitarian scene that encapsulates the crisis: “The most impactful scenes are those where saving a patient is medically possible, but is hindered by operational conditions such as the lack of medicine or fuel shortages. These moments remind us that the real challenge lies not in medical knowledge, but in the sustainability of the system that protects human life.”.
