UNOPS Yemen: Training empowers healthcare heroes in Yemen

To address critical healthcare shortages, UNOPS partnered with KfW, the government of Germany’s development bank, to train healthcare workers in five facilities across Yemen.

In the midst of a critical healthcare crisis, Yemen has more than 19 million people in need of health-related assistance. Only half of the country’s healthcare facilities are fully or partially functioning, and services are further strained by shortages of specialist doctors, essential equipment and basic medications.

In partnership with KfW, UNOPS is helping to improve access to healthcare services across the country by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, providing much-needed equipment and supporting capacity development initiatives.

As part of this, 243 healthcare workers received training on improving patient care through courses on managing life support, obstetric and neonatal emergencies, anesthesia, and patient care in operating rooms and intensive care units (ICU).

Addressing the lack of access to training courses empowers local health workers who are already motivated to bring change to their community.

Sarah Alhadah and Abdulaziz Diblah were among the 54 doctors, nurses and physician assistants who participated in an ICU training course in Sa'adah Province.

Sarah, a 25-year-old woman from Sana'a who is a trained doctor’s assistant, wants to make a difference for her community, especially helping those most affected by the conflict.

❞I learned so much about giving critical patients complete CPR, setting up respirators and even handling fainting emergencies in public spaces. Before, we'd wait for a specialist to save critical cases. Now, I can take the necessary steps myself, saving those precious golden minutes that can mean the difference between life and death for a patient. Sarah Alhadah - Doctor’s Assistant and participant in an ICU training course

Abdulaziz Diblah, a 38-year-old Yemeni doctor from the Sahar district of Sa'adah Governorate, emphasizes the importance of the training he just received: “We strive to provide the best possible care to our patients, even under the constant strain of limited medical supplies and outdated knowledge."

“The lack of workshops and training courses often leaves us feeling helpless, yearning for a way to update our skills. The dream of attending a course, even abroad, sometimes seems just out of reach," he added.

After receiving ICU training, Abdulaziz is eager to share the knowledge he acquired with colleagues who couldn't attend.

❞This was a significant moment. Intensive care is one of the most demanding specialties, and acquiring the latest knowledge in this field can be incredibly difficult. Abdulaziz Diblah - Doctor and participant in an ICU training course

These advanced training courses help equip healthcare workers like Abdulaziz and Sarah with the expertise needed to save more lives by significantly enhancing their skill set and positively impacting the well-being of countless patients across Yemen.
 

About the project

The ‘Strengthening resilience through enhancing health service facilities in Yemen’ project is implemented in partnership with KfW with financial assistance from the government of Germany. The project provides comprehensive support to selected health facilities, including improving infrastructure, providing equipment and building local capacity. Under the project, UNOPS will rehabilitate and construct 18 health facilities and 17 isolation units, and procure more than 12,000 pieces of equipment. Training is helping elevate the quality of health services to beneficiaries by empowering health workers to effectively address all aspects of healthcare. Read more here.