WHO Yemen: World Bank and WHO Strengthen Yemen’s National Emergency Response

22 April 2026, Aden, Yemen 

Amid persistent public health threats driven by years of conflict, fragile infrastructure, disease outbreaks and limited access to essential health services, coordinated emergency response is more critical than ever in Yemen.

To help address gaps, the Ministry of Public Health and Population, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted a training of trainers (ToT) on public health emergency operations centres (PHEOCs) from 15 to 24 December 2025, with support from the World Bank through the Emergency Human Capital Project (EHCP) and from the Pandemic Fund through the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project.

The training brought together 35 participants, including 9 females, representing key positions such as PHEOC staff, point of entry staff and risk communication and community engagement unit staff. The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to lead emergency operations and coordinate responses to public health threats using the WHO Incident Management System.

The interactive training programme, delivered in Arabic, combined theoretical modules with hands-on exercises. Participants learned about the fundamentals of public health emergency management, the core components of PHEOCs and different operational modes. Practical sessions included tabletop exercises, case studies and a multi-day functional simulation exercise covering events such as cholera and measles outbreaks and flooding.

The exercises enabled participants to apply emergency management frameworks, develop situation reports and practice decision-making under simulated crisis conditions.

A key feature of the training was the collaborative design and execution of the simulation exercises. Participants worked in groups to develop scenarios and response matrices. Peers observed and provided feedback. The exercises enhanced the critical thinking, problem-solving and coordination skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies.

Pre- and post-training assessments showed significant knowledge gain. Participants’ average score, measuring their understanding of PHEOC operations, increased from 57 percent before the training to 79 percent after the training. Feedback from participants highlighted the functional simulation exercises as the most beneficial component of the training.

“This training is a vital step in strengthening Yemen’s capacity to detect, assess and respond rapidly to public health emergencies,” said WHO Representative in Yemen Dr Sayed Jafar. “It demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to building a resilient health system, supported by WHO and the World Bank.”

Immediate outcomes of the ToT include a roster of trained PHEOC facilitators, Arabic-adapted training materials, and stronger capacity to conduct future simulation exercises. In the medium term, the training will support the development of national PHEOC guidance, standard operating procedures and emergency response plans.

The training underscores Yemen’s commitment to public health emergency preparedness and the continued importance of collaboration between the Ministry, WHO and the World Bank to strengthen national capacities and protect communities from health crises.