Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Qasim Buhaibeh, the Minister of Public Health and Population in the Yemeni government, discussed ways to expand cooperation between the two sides, particularly in supporting vaccination programs and strengthening the health infrastructure. The discussion took place during a meeting held today in the temporary capital, Aden, with Ann Kronen, the representative of the global vaccine alliance Gavi in Yemen.
The meeting addressed Gavi’s current efforts in the country, which include providing essential and routine vaccines, in addition to vaccines used to combat epidemics, alongside supporting the establishment and operation of medical incinerators to enhance the safety of medical waste disposal.
According to the meeting, Minister Buhaibeh emphasized the necessity of maintaining and enhancing this support, noting that immunization is a cornerstone of primary healthcare and the first line of defense in preventing the resurgence of previously controlled diseases.
He also called for a shift towards a long-term vision that includes developing the cold chain, training medical personnel, and improving tracking systems to ensure vaccines reach all governorates, especially those facing greater challenges.
For her part, Kronen affirmed Gavi’s continued commitment to supporting Yemen, both in providing vaccines and bridging health financing and supply gaps, despite the difficult humanitarian circumstances.
In a separate meeting, the Minister of Health discussed with a World Bank team the implementation of health programs through the World Health Organization, as well as opportunities to expand support directed to hospitals, health facilities, and units.
The Minister appreciated the World Bank’s role in supporting basic services and emergency care and outlined his ministry’s vision for the next phase. This includes the priorities planned for presentation at the donors’ conference, related to restructuring the health sector and improving financing mechanisms.
The World Bank team also gave a presentation on its current interventions and potential opportunities to enhance its support for the health sector in the coming period.
