UNHCR Yemen: Khadijah’s Journey to Recovery with Support from KS Relief and UNHCR

Aden, Yemen 

For over a decade, Yemen has faced a protracted crisis that has severely impacted its health sector, leaving only about 55% of health facilities operational. In this challenging environment, 21-year-old Aminah Nasser, a mother of three, resides with her family in Al-Basateen, Aden. Her husband works as a daily wage laborer, a job that barely sustains their family. Life took a tragic turn for Aminah when her youngest daughter, Khadijah, was diagnosed with brain atrophy and increased neural activity. This condition left Khadijah unable to walk or move independently, making daily life a challenge.

In their search for treatment, Aminah and her family faced numerous obstacles. Initially, they traveled a significant distance to a health center in Al Mansura for therapy sessions — a journey that was both physically and financially exhausting. Hope arrived when they discovered the UNHCR-supported Al-Basateen Health Center, funded through a partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief). Conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from their home, the center provided essential services free of charge, offering the accessibility they needed for Khadijah’s therapy.

Their time at the Al-Basateen Health Center has been transformative for Khadijah. Through consistent physical therapy sessions tailored to her needs, her motor skills have strengthened, and her psychological well-being has improved. The center also provides her essential medication, previously a major financial burden for the family.

Reflecting on the support her family has received, Aminah notes,

“The Al-Basateen Health Center has changed everything for us. This support is essential, not only for Khadijah’s recovery but also for so many families in need of accessible, free healthcare.”

Aminah’s story is one of many where the partnership between KS Relief and UNHCR has delivered life-saving assistance to Yemen’s most vulnerable families. This collaboration supports UNHCR’s efforts to extend critical protection and health services to Yemenis, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the country’s prolonged crisis. Through services like free physical therapy, psychological support, and medication for persons with specific needs, this partnership is helping thousands of families regain stability.

With continued support from KS Relief and UNHCR, families like Aminah’s are finding the resources they need to envision a better future for their children.