Yemen: Health system faces mounting pressure as fighting intensifies

The ICRC supports health facilities across Yemen, on all sides of the front lines, responding to the most urgent needs. 

• Medical supplies: Since the escalation began, the ICRC has chartered flights and trucks to bring over 500 tonnes of life-saving medical supplies to Sana’a and Aden, to replenish dwindling stocks and support hospitals treating increasing numbers of war-wounded patients. The supplies are being distributed to priority hospitals and health facilities across the country.
   
• Emergency medical support to front line health facilities: Currently, the ICRC supports over 40 health facilities. In Aden, Taiz, Al-Dhale and Lahj our support covers major hospitals, eight Public Health Care Centres (PHCCs) and over 20 Casualty Collection Points, with additional support provided through Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) ambulances. Recent ICRC support to hospitals includes the provision of weapon-wounded and trauma stabilization supplies, as well as technical support to health-care workers at three hospitals in Marib, Zabid Rural Hospital in Hodeidah, Al Hazm in Al Jawf, Aboud Hospital and Al-Jumhuriya Hospital in Aden, and elsewhere. In Taiz, the ICRC has been supporting over 10 health facilities in several affected districts on both sides of the front lines. This network allows the ICRC to maintain support close to areas where weapon-wounded casualties may require initial stabilization and onward referral. 
   
• Emergency surgical care: An ICRC mobile surgical team has worked alongside Yemeni staff at Marib General Hospital since 23 August, strengthening surgical capacity. Another supports Al Talh Hospital in Saada. 
   
• Trauma preparedness: Training in conflict-affected areas covers trauma management, basic emergency care, mass-casualty preparedness and emergency surgery, continuing work begun years before this escalation. 
   
• Physical rehabilitation: Prosthetic and rehabilitation services support people who have lost limbs. This includes outreach in conflict-affected areas. 
   
• Ambulance and referral services: Getting wounded people from the front lines to a hospital can be as critical as the treatment they receive once they arrive. Together with the Yemeni Red Crescent Society, the ICRC is supporting emergency ambulance services across Yemen. More than 60 ambulances are operating with ICRC support, helping transport wounded and sick people from conflict-affected areas to referral hospitals and transporting the deceased with dignity. 

Rising displacement further strains communities with limited access to health care. People who have fled their homes can face difficulties in accessing medicines, vaccination, maternal and reproductive health-care services, and treatment for chronic diseases.

“Additional pressure on hospitals can mean fewer beds, fewer supplies and less capacity to treat people with conditions unrelated to the conflict,” said Eduardo Toro, ICRC surgeon in Marib General Hospital. 

The ICRC continues to respond to health emergencies and other chronic diseases by providing medical supplies, supporting treatment centres and working with health authorities and partners on disease surveillance and response. But the scale of the emergency could quickly exceed existing response capacities. Sustained humanitarian access, resources and support are needed to maintain essential services and reach people affected by the conflict. Humanitarian and medical personnel must have safe passage to reach people in need, and ambulances must be able to operate without obstruction.

“Our concern is that the system may have little capacity left to absorb a major surge in casualties. Our urgent support aims to help front-line hospitals continue life-saving care to all weapon-wounded in an impartial manner,” said Christine Cipolla, ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen.