COVID-19 in Conflict: The devastating impact of withdrawing humanitarian support on universal health coverage in Yemen

Al-Awlaqi, Sameh; Dureab, Fekri; Annuzaili, Dhekra Amin; Al-Dheeb, Najwa

doi:10.1016/j.puhip.2020.100015

Cited by 15 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Yemen was one of the last countries in the world to declare the first case of the pandemic, on 10 April 2020 [ 7 ]. Fear and concerns of catastrophic outcomes of the epidemic in Yemen were immediately raised, as the country is facing a complex humanitarian crisis [ 7 ]. Suppression measures were already being implemented by the government before the notification of the first case, including curfew, closure of schools, airports, markets, mosques, and prohibiting public gatherings [ 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…About 50% of the population of Yemen is estimated to be in acute need of health care, with high rates of malnutrition, child and maternal mortality [ 7 ]. In addition, the limited availability of safe drinking water, people living crowded houses, inadequate sanitation, and stigma constitute barriers for effective response and control of the epidemic in Yemen [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, the limited availability of safe drinking water, people living crowded houses, inadequate sanitation, and stigma constitute barriers for effective response and control of the epidemic in Yemen [ 9 ]. Due to the ongoing armed conflict, less than 50% of the health facilities in Yemen are fully functional [ 7 ] and more that 2 million children are malnourished [ 7 ]. Yemen has a population of 30 million people, and the armed conflict which started in 2015 led to a fragmentation of the healthcare system [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Due to the ongoing armed conflict, less than 50% of the health facilities in Yemen are fully functional [ 7 ] and more that 2 million children are malnourished [ 7 ]. Yemen has a population of 30 million people, and the armed conflict which started in 2015 led to a fragmentation of the healthcare system [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The first 2 months of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Yemen: Analysis of the surveillance data

et al. 2020

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Introduction Yemen was one of the last countries in the world to declare the first case of the pandemic, on 10 April 2020. Fear and concerns of catastrophic outcomes of the epidemic in Yemen were immediately raised, as the country is facing a complex humanitarian crisis. The purpose of this report is to describe the epidemiological situation in Yemen during the first 2 months of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Methods We analyzed the epidemiological data from 18 February to 05 June 2020, including the 2 months before the confirmation of the first case. We included in our analysis the data from 10 out of 23 governorates of Yemen, located in southern and eastern part of the country. Results A total of 469 laboratory confirmed, 552 probable and 55 suspected cases with onset of symptoms between 18 February and 5 June 2020 were reported through the surveillance system. The median age among confirmed cases was 46 years (range: 1–90 years), and 75% of the confirmed cases were male. A total of 111 deaths were reported among those with confirmed infection. The mean age among those who died was 53 years (range: 14–88 years), with 63% of deaths (n = 70) occurring in individuals under the age 60 years. A total of 268 individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were hospitalized (57%), among whom there were 95 in-hospital deaths, Conclusions The surveillance strategy implemented in the first 2 months of the SARS CoV 2 in the southern and eastern governorates of Yemen, captured mainly severe cases. The mild and moderate cases were not self-reported to the health facilities and surveillance system due to limited resources, stigma, and other barriers. The mortality appeared to be higher in individuals aged under 60 years, and most fatalities occurred in individuals who were in critical condition when they reached the health facilities. It is unclear whether the presence of other acute comorbidities contributed to the high death rate among SARS-CoV-2 cases. The findings only include the southern and eastern part of the country, which is home to 31% of the total population of Yemen, as the data from the northern part of the country was inaccessible for analysis. This makes our results not generalizable to the rest of the country.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

The first 2 months of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Yemen: Analysis of the surveillance data

et al. 2020

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Degree-Granting Nutrition Programs in the Republic of Yemen: A Status Report on Postsecondary Education

et al. 2022

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Yemen is noted as one of the most food-insecure countries in the Arab world coupled with high rates of malnutrition. To address the public health outcomes related to nutrition, trained nutrition professionals are needed. This report provides a snapshot of current nutrition-affiliated programs offered in postsecondary institutions in Yemen. Partnering with or creating independent organizations responsible for defining the scope of practice is warranted. Additionally, ensuring educational quality, program accreditation, and competence of graduating students and readiness to practice will be central to progressively moving Yemen’s dietetics profession forward.

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Analyzing Yemen’s health system at the governorate level amid the ongoing conflict: a case of Al Hodeida governorate

Al Waziza,

Sheikh,

Ahmed

et al. 2023

Discov Health Systems

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Background Yemen is regarded as one of the Middle East’s poorest countries. Decades of political, economic, and social difficulties have culminated in the current protracted conflict. As a result, the globe experienced its worst humanitarian catastrophe. The ongoing war has affected several public services, notably the health sector, which is operating at less than half its capacity. This study aims to examine Yemen’s health system at the governorate level (Al Hodeida) amidst the current conflict. It analyzes current challenges and produces suggestions for enhancement. Methods The study used qualitative research methods such as Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and document analysis. The study used WHO’s health systems framework to measure health system performance. Twelve KIIs were conducted via Skype with several health stakeholders. In addition, documents were analyzed to inform the subject guide, generate themes, and aid in the triangulation of results. Results According to the study findings, the governorate health system managed to offer a minimum level of healthcare services while making some advances in outbreak control jointly with other partners. One of the main difficulties confronting the governorate’s health system is a severe lack of financial resources forcing it to rely entirely on external aid. Furthermore, other significant deficiencies include inadequate health system organogram, low reporting capacities, insufficient funding, and scarcity of health professionals. Conclusion Yemen’s frail health system has been weakened by almost eight years of insecurity and conflict. If the current scenario continues, most of Yemen’s health system’s operations and indicators will likely deteriorate. On the other hand, progress in some areas, such as primary healthcare (PHC) services and disease management, is remarkable. However, for better performance, Yemen’s health system leadership and stakeholders should seek a holistic strategy to improve the entire dimensions of the health system.

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COVID-19 in Conflict: The devastating impact of withdrawing humanitarian support on universal health coverage in Yemen

Cited by 15 publications

References 3 publications

The first 2 months of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Yemen: Analysis of the surveillance data

The first 2 months of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Yemen: Analysis of the surveillance data

Degree-Granting Nutrition Programs in the Republic of Yemen: A Status Report on Postsecondary Education

Analyzing Yemen’s health system at the governorate level amid the ongoing conflict: a case of Al Hodeida governorate

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