IOM Yemen: A BREATH OF HOPE Yemen’s - Determination to End TB

Sana'a, Yemen 

Fares used to tirelessly craft molds each day, setting aside the burdens weighing on his chest and the heavy responsibilities he carried. The factory’s humming machinery reminded him of the bustling grocery store he own before it was swept away by the prolonged conflict in Yemen.

Despite his discomfort and shortness of breath, Fares persevered, driven by the need to provide for his wife and three children at home. However, as weeks stretched into months, he began to grasp the severity of his health issues. Extreme fatigue and breathlessness turned even the simplest daily tasks into a struggle.

Fares went from one doctor to the next, seeking answers, but his symptoms persisted, leaving him paralyzed with fear. 

“I was terrified of my illness, convinced I was going to die.”

GRIT AND RESILIENCE

It wasn’t until he was referred to the Tuberculosis (TB) Centre at Al-Daran Hospital in Sana’a that he finally received a definitive diagnosis: tuberculosis – a disease that threatened to rob him of his future with his beloved family.

Fares began his TB treatment as prescribed by the healthcare professionals at the center. Additionally, his family, friends and close contacts underwent TB screening and received informative sessions about TB to prevent further transmission. With consistent medication and care, Fares gradually regained his strength and, with it, his spirit.

“I am thankful for all the care and support provided at the centre. It gave me a second chance at life.”

REGIONAL CHALLENGES

The Middle East region is particularly fraught with challenges, including a growing refugee and internally displaced population, political instability, and declining economic growth. Ongoing conflicts in countries like Yemen have resulted in the displacement of millions, disrupting social networks and severely impacting public health services.

The situation in Yemen is particularly dire, with severe economic and healthcare challenges stemming from the decade-long conflict. Over 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and half of the hospitals are non-functional, according to the 2024 Yemen Humanitarian Needs Overview.

As a multi-country project, the Middle East Response Phase 3 (MER 3) aims to deliver essential services for HIV, TB, and malaria in challenging environments marked by complex and acute emergency situations.

According to the National TB Centre, there has been a notable increase in TB cases in recent years, with 11,000 recorded throughout Yemen in 2023. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) actively supports Yemen’s National TB Control Programme, ensuring communities have free access to prevention, detection and treatment of TB. Efforts are aimed at improving TB prevention and care services, especially for migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees who are particularly vulnerable to TB infection.

“Poverty and limited access to healthcare due to conflict in the country, compounded by lack of awareness, play a major role in the spread of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis,” explains Dr. Abdulhamid, IOM National Health Project Officer.

CROSSROADS OF HOPE

As Fares attended his regular check-up at the center, Qedest, a 20-year-old Ethiopian migrant, was receiving treatment for a TB infection she contracted during her pursuit of a better life. Motivated by hope, she embarked on a journey in search of better living opportunities, fleeing the hardships in her home country, only to arrive in war-torn Yemen and face a new set of challenges.

Qedest’s journey intersected with Badu’s, who had left Ethiopia for similar reasons and had been residing in Yemen for eight years. They since got married and are now navigating the challenges of their new life, especially with the imminent arrival of their baby. Despite their own struggles, they still send part of their earnings to support their families back in Ethiopia.

EMBRACING RECOVERY

In an effort to contribute to their household, Qedest secured a job as a domestic worker for a family with a child who had TB. Unaware of the contagious nature of the disease, she spent time around the child while fulfilling her duties. Over time, Qedest began experiencing breathing difficulties and coughing. Thanks to her husband’s support, she sought treatment at a TB center, embarking on a journey toward recovery.

With each passing day, Qedest and her husband found strength in the face of her illness. Now, she is in the final stages of her recovery.

“Since I’m pregnant, I was worried about my baby’s health, but the doctor’s reassurance has brought me immense relief.”